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—about a hundred miles southwest of Chicago. The sprawling site, made up of 44 buildings spanning two city blocks, has long been a landmark in downtown Peru. As of early morning, the fire was still raging out of control, forcing the evacuation of several nearby homes as a safety measure.
According to local reports, the fire department has labeled this incident as a "very large fire," and multiple emergency response teams from surrounding areas have joined the efforts to contain the blaze. The situation remains critical, with firefighters working tirelessly under challenging conditions.
The Washington Post's National section has an extensive article with accompanying photos, detailing how two teenagers, aged 15 and 17, have been arrested for aggravated arson. The younger boy will be tried as a juvenile, while the older one faces charges as an adult. His bail was set at $250,000 following a hearing earlier today. Authorities say the teens entered the abandoned building, doused a boat inside with gasoline, lit it ablaze, and then fled the scene. An anonymous tip led police directly to the suspects.
The fire escalated dramatically when propane tanks exploded, prompting authorities to order an evacuation of homes in close proximity to the factory. However, by mid-morning, most residents had been permitted to return home. Those still unable to do so were advised to stay away due to the heavy smoke drifting toward their properties.
Attached below is a photo capturing the scale of the disaster, taken by Amanda Whitlock of the News Tribune.
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In addition, here are two video recordings from the intense 5-alarm fire that unfolded at the iconic Westclox factory. The fire was deliberately set by the two boys, who managed to time their actions so precisely that the first alarm was triggered mere seconds after midnight. Unfortunately, one firefighter from LaSalle suffered injuries during the operation and underwent surgery earlier today.
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The fifth alarm was called shortly into the second part of the footage. The videos offer a detailed glimpse into the chaos and intensity of the firefighting efforts, showcasing the dedication of local emergency personnel who worked through the night to protect the community.
As the investigation continues, residents and officials alike remain on high alert, monitoring the situation closely to ensure public safety is maintained.
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