Late last night, Firegeezer.com picked up on a massive fire that erupted just after midnight at the historic Westclox factory complex in Peru, Illinois, which is approximately 100 miles southwest of Chicago. As of now, the fire remains out of control, and early reports suggest that the situation is dire.
According to eyewitness accounts, the sprawling complex, comprising 44 buildings over a two-block by four-block area in downtown Peru, has become a raging inferno. Local authorities have classified the blaze as a "very large fire," and emergency response teams from multiple neighboring departments have been mobilized to assist. By sunrise, it was clear that the fire had not only spread but also forced the evacuation of several nearby homes as a safety precaution.
The Washington Post's National section features an extensive article with accompanying photographs detailing the unfolding events. According to the report, local law enforcement has identified two teenagers as the primary suspects in the intentional setting of the fire. A 15-year-old from Peru and a 17-year-old from La Salle are now facing charges of aggravated arson. Authorities have traced the origin of the fire back to a reckless act involving a boat inside the factory, which was doused with gasoline and set ablaze before the perpetrators fled the scene. An anonymous tip reportedly led investigators to these individuals.
By mid-morning, while most evacuees were permitted to return home, lingering concerns about residual smoke hazards kept some residents away from their properties. The fire's intensity, exacerbated by exploding propane tanks, has caused significant concern among both residents and emergency personnel.
For those interested in visual documentation, recordings of the five-alarm fire are available online. These videos capture the dramatic scenes unfolding at the landmark Westclox factory. Tragically, one firefighter from La Salle sustained injuries during the operation and underwent surgery earlier today.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by neglect and the potential for reckless behavior to devastate entire neighborhoods. Updates continue to emerge as firefighters work tirelessly to contain the flames and mitigate further damage.
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