Can Haley Mansion Be Saved? Battalion Chief Has Answer

JOLIET, IL — In one of Joliet's most devastating building fires in several years, the Joliet Fire Department spent five hours Wednesday battling a huge fire at the historic Haley Mansion, which opened in 1893 after construction began in 1891.

At 3:45 p.m., Joliet fire engines and ladder trucks got to the fire at the corner of South Center Street and Marion. Crews remained at 17 South Center Street, extinguishing hot spots and performing salvage property operations until 8:30 p.m.

Station 1 Joliet Fire Department Battalion Chief Jim Ryan told Joliet Patch on Wednesday night that a total of 27 Joliet firefighters responded to the fire at Haley Mansion. He said the salvage efforts included preserving several older paintings that were inside the mansion that is now a popular wedding and special event venue.

Not only did Wednesday night's special event inside the Haley Mansion need to be canceled, but Ryan said there were special events set through the weekend.

Given the magnitude of Wednesday's late afternoon fire, the Haley Mansion will not be used for several weeks, probably months.

"Extensive renovations will need to be done, but it's definitely salvageable" Ryan told Joliet Patch.

The positive news for Joliet is that the building was not destroyed, Joliet's fire battalion chief emphasized. "I'm just glad it's still standing," Ryan remarked.

Crews from city of Joliet fire stations 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7 responded to Center and Marion Streets. The firefighters got the blaze under control around 4:25 p.m.

The most extensive damage was confined to the third story of the mansion, plus the attic.

There was some smoke and water damage to the first and second floors, but Joliet firefighters were able to spread tarps on the lower levels to minimize the water damage, Ryan noted.

Patch asked what the items and contents were on the third floor, where most of the fire was concentrated.

"I can't talk about it," Ryan answered.

Ryan said he expects the investigation into the fire's cause will take at least a full week.

When asked if Joliet fire investigators had a preliminary estimate on the monetary loss caused by Wednesday's blaze, Ryan said, "Unfortunately, I do not."

Nobody was injured during the fire. There were several Haley Mansion employees inside the building when the fire broke out, and everyone made it out safely, Ryan noted.

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

Fire At Haley Mansion Under Control: Joliet Fire Chief