Baling Machine Catches Fire At New Lenox Packaging Plant: Fire Officials

NEW LENOX, IL — A baling machine caught fire at a New Lenox packaging plant Thursday afternoon, New Lenox Fire District officials said.

New Lenox firefighters responded to a reported structure fire at 2251 Berens Drive in New Lenox at 1:12 p.m. Thursday. Smurfit Westrock is a paper and packaging company shown as operating at that address.

Upon arrival, crews found a baling machine on fire in an isolated room, with smoke conditions throughout the building. The facility’s automatic sprinkler system activated and successfully kept the fire in check, fire officials said. Fire crews then supplemented the sprinkler system with additional suppression efforts to further extinguish the fire.

The incident remains ongoing but is under control as of 3 p.m.

Multiple agencies assisted on scene and provided station coverage to ensure continued service to the community, including the Frankfort Fire Protection District and Manhattan Fire Protection District.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.