Photo courtesy of New Lenox Fire Protection District

The New Lenox Fire Protection District responded to a commercial structure fire Friday morning in unincorporated New Lenox Township.

On June 5, at approximately 8:43 a.m., NLFPD crews were dispatched to the 200 block of East Otto Drive following a fire alarm activation. As units responded, the incident was upgraded to a structure fire response at 8:46 a.m.

The first-arriving engine company reached the scene in three minutes and reported heavy smoke visible from the exterior of the building. The company upgraded the alarm to bring additional resources to the scene.

Firefighters entered the building and located a rapidly advancing fire within the structure. After confirming all occupants had safely exited the building, command transitioned operations from an interior attack to a defensive strategy due to fire conditions.

The alarm was once again elevated to bring in more crews along with a hazardous materials team to monitor the air and runoff from the fire.

The building sustained significant damage as a result of the fire. One occupant sustained minor injuries. No firefighter injuries were reported.

Hazmat teams also brought in additional specialized resources including specialized monitors, said Chief Adam Riegel of the New Lenox Fire Protection District.

Crews were able to limit the runoff and air monitoring identified no hazards to the surrounding area.

No air hazard were found, Riegel said. The building owners were contacting a certified clean up company to make sure any runoff was properly remediated, he said, adding there is no immediate danger with the runoff as well.

The NLFPD was supported by multiple neighboring fire agencies that assisted on the scene and provided station coverage, ensuring that emergency services remained uninterrupted throughout the community during the incident.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by NLFPD Fire Investigators.