Area Fire Departments Respond to Assist Kewanee Fire Department Battle Large Structure Fire at Cernovich Salvage Yard
What was described as an “explosion” and black smoke turned attention to the middle of Kewanee Tuesday afternoon, which, thankfully, resulted in no injuries. Eight fire departments responded to a mutual aid request by the Kewanee Fire Department for a large structure fire at East 6th and North East Streets. Kewanee Community, Geneseo, LaFayette, Galva, Annawan-Alba, Atkinson, Toulon, and Wyoming fire departments jumped into action to help the City of Kewanee Fire Department battle a fire in the main shop and office building at Cernovich Salvage Yard on East 6th Street, which was reported around 2 PM on May 5, 2026. People around Kewanee report hearing a loud boom followed by a plume of black smoke. People as far as Mendota, Brimfield, Woodhull, and Geneseo could see the cloud of black smoke. Fire investigators are working to confirm the cause, with early indications pointing to a spark igniting the fire. The bangs and pops heard during the blaze are believed to be from chemicals, oxygen tanks, and inflated tires in and around the workshop.
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 with the fire. Kim and Rhonda Cernovich and the City of Kewanee provided water and food for the emergency responders on the scene. Kewanee Fire Chief Stephen Welgat expressed gratitude and appreciation to all agencies that assisted with the fire today. Chief Welgat said the employees from Cernovich’s Scrapyard were a huge help to the fire departments by moving objects away from the structure, allowing the fire crews to access the fire more quickly.
Mayor Gary Moore posted on Facebook:
Jennifer Russell Op-Ed
Sometimes staying late after an incident, such as this fire, has benefits. While op-eds are frowned upon, it’s 3 AM, and people should hear what I didn’t see and what I did see at this fire. What I didn’t see was Kim or Rhonda worrying about themselves or their livelihood. They weren’t occupying their time watching the business burn down. What I did see was them worrying about everyone else. Rhonda was running around making sure the kids were staying out of the way and safe. She also had tables set up for the food that the Cernovich family ordered to feed the first responders working the fire. City Manager Kasey Mitchell got water and food for the first responders and was helping set up the food. Chief Welgat said they were going to feed everyone and let them go home. What I witnessed echoes what Mayor Gary Moore said in his Facebook post about Kim and Ronda. **Opinions expressed in this op-ed section are mine, and mine alone.**
