Interdivisional industrial fire in Morris, 6-29-21

Excerpts from Chicago.cbslocal.com:

Emergency crews are still on the scene in Morris, Illinois, working to contain a large industrial fire involving lithium-ion batteries. The incident has led to a mandatory evacuation for residents in parts of the town, with officials warning of serious health risks due to toxic smoke.

The evacuation was ordered after lithium batteries ignited, releasing dangerous particulates into the air. Residents in the southeast section of Morris were told to leave their homes for at least 24 hours. The affected area stretches from Washington Street eastward to Evergreen Cemetery, and westward to Route 47, with the railroad tracks to the north and the river to the south.

The fire broke out around 11:42 a.m. on Tuesday at the old Federal Paper Board building on East Benton Street, which had been repurposed to store a massive quantity of lithium batteries. According to Superior Battery, the company currently occupying the site, there were approximately 80 to 100 tons of batteries stored there.

Because of the nature of lithium fires, firefighters cannot use water to extinguish them—lithium reacts violently with water and can cause explosions. Instead, crews have opted to smother the flames and let the fire burn under controlled conditions. Firefighters remain on-site throughout the night to ensure public safety and monitor the situation closely.

"The building is holding up well. It's keeping the explosions contained inside," said Chief Tracey Steffes of the Morris Fire Department. "There’s no risk of the fire spreading beyond the structure."

Around 130 firefighters and 30 fire units were deployed to the scene. Additionally, the Illinois National Guard was called in to assist with the response. A team of 12 service members, along with five trucks and three trailers equipped with chemical monitoring tools, arrived from the 5th Civil Support Team in Bartonville. Their role is to assess air quality and environmental conditions, helping determine when it will be safe for residents to return.

The American Red Cross also sent volunteers to support the emergency personnel, providing food and water to over 300 first responders on the ground.

As the situation continues to unfold, local authorities urge residents to stay informed and follow all official guidance. The fire remains a complex and dangerous event, requiring ongoing coordination between multiple agencies to manage the risks effectively.

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