'Heartbreaking': Photos Show Fire's Destruction Of Tri-Star Cabinets

NEW LENOX, IL — A massive fire erupted at New Lenox community staple Thursday morning, a blow to a longtime local business.

The three-alarm fire broke out at Tri-Star Cabinet and Top Co., 1000 S. Cedar Rd. at 10:30 a.m. Thursday. The cause of the fire is not yet known, Mayor Tim Baldermann said, but the warehouse portion of the business sustained most of the fire damage. The blaze sent thick, black smoke billowing into the air—visible even from miles away—and took crews hours to extinguish.

The offices and showrooms sustained mostly water and smoke damage, and though likely not a total loss, the damage to the business as a whole is extensive.

"Big, big loss," Baldermann stressed Thursday afternoon, following a media briefing.

All 60 to 70 employees present at the time were able to evacuate safely, Baldermann said. No injuries have been reported.

Crews were still working on extinguishing the blaze at 1 p.m., though by then the fire had been brought under control, fire officials said. Residents nearby were encouraged, though not mandated, to evacuate, as the smoke and fumes spread. The New Lenox Fire Protection District worked with the EPA to ensure air quality maintained a safe level.

Crews worked well into the night extinguishing hot spots, fire officials said. At its peak, 200 firefighters from 22 departments worked the blaze.

Tri-Star is a third-generation business owned and operated by the Wilda family. It has been in business in New Lenox for 60 years, Baldermann said.

"Not only is it an amazing business, the family are good people," Baldermann said. "They are great community people."

Tri-Star spoke on social media Thursday night, thanking first responders.

"Today, Tri-Star Cabinets faced a challenging situation as a fire broke out in our building," the company wrote. "Thanks to the quick actions of our dedicated employees, everyone was safely evacuated. We are incredibly grateful for your bravery and teamwork.

"We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the local fire departments for their swift response and professionalism in managing the situation. Your support means the world to us during this tough time.

"Together, we will rebuild and come back stronger. Thank you all for your courage and commitment!"

Baldermann said the Village will do what it can to help the business recover.

"It would be difficult to see this happen to any family, but when it happens to a family like theirs, that has given so much to the community over the last 60 years, it’s beyond heartbreaking," Baldermann said.

"We'll do everything we can to get them back as quickly as they can, but it’s a tough one."

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.