Fire at Cernovich Salvage Yard was determined to be accidental and the building is a total loss
A massive fire broke out Tuesday afternoon at Cernovich’s Auto & Truck Wrecking in Kewanee, sending thick black smoke billowing across the region. The blaze, fueled by failed liquid fuel tanks, quickly spread through scrapped vehicles and engulfed the building and office area, resulting in a total loss of the structure. Fire and emergency units from multiple surrounding communities responded, with 19 fire units and 79 personnel assisting in the eight-hour battle. Road closures were needed on 5th and 6th Streets, Grace Avenue, and US Route 34. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the incident is being deemed accidental as the investigation continues.
According to the press release by Chief Stephen Welgat, “While an investigation is being completed, the fire is being considered accidental, with major complications due to stored liquid fuel tanks that failed and released their contents, resulting in extreme flame production and enormous plumes of heavy black smoke further complicating extinguishing efforts.”
Kewanee Community, Geneseo, LaFayette, Galva, Annawan-Alba Fire and Ambulance, Atkinson Ambulance, Toulon, and Wyoming fire departments, the Kewanee Police Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, City of Kewanee employees, Henry County Office of Emergency Management, and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office assisted the City of Kewanee Fire Department battle the fire.
Chief Welgat said, “The Kewanee Fire Department would like to thank all the personnel responding to help with operations and a special thank you to Cernovich’s employees that assisted with heavy equipment to move obstacles from the areas of operation.”
Find more information regarding the fire in our story posted earlier at https://www.regionalmedianews.com/news/local/multiple-fire-departments-battle-major-blaze-at-cernovich-salvage-yard-in-kewanee/.