Fire Breaks Out At Downtown Joliet Print Shop: 'Fire Is Actively Burning'

JOLIET, IL — Joliet Fire Department crews were on the east side of Joliet Thursday afternoon, battling a huge blaze at the Union Signs and Printing business at Eastern Avenue and Washington Street.

Smoke could be seen billowing from the building as firefighters worked to get the blaze under control.

Eastern Avenue remains closed as crews continue to battle the fire.

According to a Joliet Fire Department press release from Joliet Fire Chief Jeff Carey at 4:15 p.m.:

At 2:19 p.m., the Joliet Fire Department responded to a structure fire with possible people trapped inside the building at 1 S. Eastern Ave.

Company 1 arrived to find a 1-story brick commercial structure with heavy smoke showing. Joliet police reported that all the people were out of the building.

A defensive attack was initiated after fire broke through the roof, fully engulfing the structure and causing a partial collapse. The fire is actively burning at the time of this press release. We will send an update this evening.

Fire crews from stations 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are currently operating on the scene.

This is a developing story. Check back with Patch for updates.

Joliet Patch's Facebook Live from the scene: