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Extra-Alarm fire in downstate Hoopeston
Tim Olk made the two-hour drive down to Hoopeston, Illinois, located just south of Chicago, to capture images of an immense fire raging at a major tire recycling facility.
The situation in Hoopeston has been escalating since the early hours of Wednesday morning when a massive blaze erupted at the J&R Used Tire Service Inc., a well-known tire recycling company on Maple Street. By the time firefighters arrived at 5:20 a.m., the southern section of the 400,000-square-foot brick building was already engulfed in flames.
Hoopeston Fire Chief Cliff Crabtree described the initial response as overwhelming. “From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this was going to be a challenging situation due to the nature of the fire,†he explained during a briefing around 11 a.m. “Unfortunately, with a fire of this magnitude involving tires, the entire structure is likely to be lost.â€
Approximately five employees were present when the fire broke out, but all managed to evacuate safely. One individual was briefly hospitalized for smoke inhalation but was released later in the day. Chief Crabtree estimated that firefighting efforts would continue for another 24 to 36 hours.
In response to the emergency, local authorities quickly evacuated nearby residents from homes and apartments along Maple, Market, and Lincoln streets, as well as parts of Second and Third Avenues. These evacuees found shelter at Hoopeston Area High School and several local churches.
The Danville Fire Department's hazardous materials team was also dispatched to monitor air quality, ensuring public safety amidst the thick plumes of smoke. Smoke from the fire was visible even from as far as Bismarck, approximately 20 miles south, resembling ominous dark clouds rolling across the horizon. Close to Hoopeston, the pervasive odor of burning rubber filled the air.
Firefighting operations involved multiple departments from surrounding towns including Hoopeston, East Lynn, Wellington, Bismarck, Rossville, Rankin, Potomac, Bluegrass, Danville, Milford, and Watseka. Resources such as bottled water from Hoopeston Foods and other local businesses were mobilized to support the firefighting efforts. Area farmers also contributed by transporting water in semis to fill portable tanks strategically placed around the site.
To combat the extreme heat, the Red Cross set up air-conditioned tents where firefighters could rest and recover. Chief Crabtree expressed heartfelt gratitude for the community's overwhelming support. “People have been calling nonstop offering help, whether it’s bringing water or food to the firefighters. We couldn’t do this without their generosity.â€
Despite the collaborative effort, the scale of the disaster remains daunting. Ted Fisher, director of the Vermilion County Emergency Management Agency, confirmed a voluntary evacuation order for those living near the fire.
Rodney Rogers, owner of J&R Used Tire Service, reported that the company, which employs 38 people and serves nearly 1,000 clients across Illinois and Indiana, is working diligently to resume operations. However, approval from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is still pending before any restart can occur. Other tire recyclers in the region have stepped forward to assist in maintaining service continuity.
The fire has tested the resilience of both first responders and the community at large. As one longtime resident, Ted Fisher, noted, “This is the worst fire I’ve seen in my lifetime.†Despite the challenges, the collective spirit of Hoopeston shines through in every act of support and cooperation.