Overheated Oil Causes Heavy Smoke in Channahon Business

Heavy smoke caused by overheated oil brought the Channahon Fire Protection District to the IOI Loders Croklaan building Friday afternoon.

Fire Chief John Petrakis said crews were called to the 24700 block of W. Durkee Road at around 12:30 p.m. for a report of a fire.

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Upon arrival, firefighters reported smoke showing from the north building of the facility. Upon further investigation, heavy smoke was reported in the interior of building, Petrakis said. A search of the building revealed a large volume of smoke coming from the crude soybean oil processing unit. No flames were visible, but the oil was later confirmed by Loders Croklaan representatives to be overheated. Firefighters extended hose lines into the building as a safety precaution.

Loders-Croklaan facilities staff discontinued electric power to the building and product heating elements. Firefighters also ventilated the building to alleviate the large volume of smoke.

The crude soybean oil containers eventually cooled under the supervision of Loders-Crokaan facility and safety staff.

Damage assessment and dollar loss was not available.

Facility operations have been halted until further notice. It is unknown when Loders-Croklaan will resume normal operations. Employees evacuated the building with no injuries. No injuries to firefighters were reported as a result of the incident. 

Agencies providing area coverage included Frankfort, Homer, and Lockport Fire Protection Districts.

The cause of the incident is not known and currently being investigated by Loders-Croklaan officials, Petrakis said.