Tin Olk photo has this story: HOOPESTON — Firefighters from Vermilion and Iroquois counties are still working to bring under control a massive fire that broke out early Wednesday morning at a large tire recycling facility. Officials warn the blaze could burn for days, as the building is filled with thousands of tires. Fire Chief Cliff Crabtree described the situation as overwhelming, noting that the fire started quickly and spread rapidly. “We knew from the beginning we had to take a defensive approach,†he said. Five employees were on site when the fire began, but all managed to escape without serious injuries. One man was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation but was later released. The business, owned by Rodney and Janie Rogers, has 38 employees and serves nearly 1,000 clients across Illinois and Indiana. Residents within a mile of the facility were evacuated, and emergency shelters were set up at local schools and churches. Air quality was being monitored by the Danville Fire Department’s hazardous materials team. Rogers is already working to get the business back up and running, coordinating with insurance companies and other recyclers who have offered help. “I expect to be here another 24 to 36 hours,†he said. The fire drew firefighters from multiple towns, including Bismarck, Danville, and Milford. Water was brought in from local businesses and farms, with farmers even using semi-trucks to transport water to supply the firefighting efforts. “The only thing more overwhelming than the fire is the support from the community,†said Crabtree. “People have been calling nonstop to offer help.†Smoke from the fire was visible as far as 20 miles away, and the smell of burning rubber filled the air. This is believed to be the largest fire Hoopeston has ever seen, and officials say it poses unique challenges due to its location in a residential area. Tin Olk photo Tin Olk photo Tin Olk photo Stainless Steel Pipe Clamp,Stainless Steel Ground Wire Pipe Clamp,Cable U-Bracket Grounding Pipe Clamp,Stainless Steel Ground Pipe Clamp Taizhou HuaChi Stainless Steel Products Co.,Ltd , https://www.tzhuachi.comÂ
Extra-Alarm fire in downstate Hoopeston
Tim Olk traveled two hours south of Chicago to Hoopeston, Illinois, to capture the massive fire at a large tire recycling facility. The scene was chaotic, with flames devouring the structure and thick smoke blanketing the sky.