Large Fire Breaks Out At Auto Body Shop Near Old Joliet Prison

Joliet IL

17 August, 2021

9:09 PM

Description

JOLIET, IL — City of Joliet firefighters were battling a large blaze Tuesday evening at Speedway Auto Parts in the 1300 block of Herkimer Street near the Old Joliet Prison. Joliet Fire Chief Greg Blaskey told Patch authorities believe the fire started in several junked cars on the property, and that firefighters were using front loaders to separate the cars and extinguish the fire. The fire started at 6:55 p.m. "There is no life safety issues or exposure concerns," Blaskey told Joliet Patch. "The cars are being pulled apart with heavy machinery by the site owner to allow crews to access the seat of the fire. Due to poor water supply in the area, we have tankers from surrounding agencies assisting." The property contains an auto body shop and a salvage yard with tires and vehicles on the grounds. A huge cloud of smoke could be seen hovering over the prison as East Joliet firefighters assisted by bringing in a water tanker truck. Joliet resident Bob Hernandez got to the scene around 7:30 p.m. and produced one of his Facebook Live videos for his followers. This is a developing story. Check back with Patch for updates.