81 Firefighters Battle Massive Roof Fire At Joliet's IKEA Distribution Facility

JOLIET — Joliet Fire Chief Jeff Carey issued a press release regarding Tuesday's mid-morning fire at one of the largest distribution warehouses in the city — the IKEA facility along Laraway Road.

According to the fire chief, at 10:15 a.m., the Joliet Fire Department responded to the IKEA warehouse located at 650 Emerald Drive for heavy smoke coming from the roof.

The fire crews found approximately one-third of the roof on fire with extension down into the building. The alarm was quickly upgraded to a second alarm, and two mutual aid ladder trucks were requested. A department call back was requested to equip reserve vehicles within the Joliet Fire Department, Carey noted.

A total of 81 firefighters are on the scene, including five ladder trucks, eight engines, one squad, and five ambulances. The fire was just declared under control at 12:15 pm. Overhauls and ventilation are currently taking place.

All employees were evacuated from the building without injuries. One firefighter was taken to the hospital due to exhaustion.

An update press release will be sent out after the crews are released from IKEA, Carey noted.