No injuries were reported during a late night structure fire in a commercial business in Harvard, authorities said.
Marengo Fire & Rescue District’s Communication Specialist Alex Vucha, acting as a spokesman for the Harvard Fire District, said the fire department was called to the 22000 block of Route 173 at 10:44 p.m. for a reported structure fire.
Firefighters arrived within 5 minutes and observed heavy fire showing from the rear of the 50-foot-by-150-foot building, Vucha said.
Firefighters immediately called a for a mutual aid alarm box to being additional fire departments to the scene for assistance.
Due to the construction of the building, the bulk of the fire was initially difficult to access, Vucha said and firefighters needed to use various special tools to force entry into the structure.
The fire was declared under control at 12:20 a.m. Sunday morning, but crews remained on the scene for another 90 minutes for additional work.
The business, which constructed wooden pallets, sustained heavy fire, smoke, and water damage throughout, Vucha said.
The business was closed when the fire broke out and no injuries were reported, Vucha said.
Although the fire does not appear suspicious in nature, the cause remains under investigation by the Harvard Fire Protection District, Vucha said.