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Limited water access hinders firefighters battling massive blaze at Joliet scrapyard

By and Cody King
Published  November 1, 2024 3:02pm CDT
Joliet
FOX 32 Chicago

Large fire erupts at Joliet scrap metal recycling yard

A massive blaze broke out at a metal scrapyard in Joliet, drawing a heavy response from firefighters.

The Brief

    • A massive fire broke out at BL Duke – Joliet Public Scrap Metal Recycling Yard, involving metal, wood, and plastic, but no hazardous materials, with no injuries reported.
    • Firefighters face challenges due to limited water supply; only one hydrant is available, requiring tanker support from nearby departments.
    • The blaze may burn for hours or even days, with continued updates expected as local crews work to control the fire.

JOLIET, Ill. - A massive fire broke out Friday afternoon at a Joliet scrapyard, where firefighters were facing challenges due to limited water supply.

The fire was reported around 2 p.m. at BL Duke – Joliet Public Scrap Metal Recycling Yard, located at 2 Genstar Lane.

Fire officials said metal, wood and possibly some plastic caught fire in the scrapyard. No hazardous materials were involved, and no injuries have been reported.

Firefighters expect the fire could burn for several hours or even days.

Large fire erupts at Joliet scrapyard

A large fire broke out at a scrapyard in Joliet, drawing a heavy response from firefighters.

"Our biggest problem is we have very little water down here, so we're working on getting a water supply, which will help us get it out faster," said Victor Stachelski, Joliet fire operations chief. "There's only one hydrant. We're trying to coordinate some of the local fire departments that actually have to use tanker operations."

The Joliet Fire Department and the Lockport Township Fire Protection District were responding.

FOX 32 has a crew at the scene. We'll bring more updates as they become available.

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Large fire erupts at Joliet scrapyard (FOX 32 )