Mineral Company Fire Remains Under Investigation

A company outside of Tonica was left with heavy heat damage following an early morning fire.  Firefighters were called out Illinois Valley Minerals Company just after six yesterday morning.

Fire Chief Gen Schultz says there were flames coming through the metal building when they arrived.  Area fire departments arrived with extra trucks and company employees helped the crews take down to large garage doors.

The fire was out less than an hour and a half later though they stayed until almost 11:30am putting out hot spots.  Schultz says the intense heat caused some metal beams to twist and sag and heavily damaged equipment and products.

Another company nearby, Dauber, INC, was not damaged.  The State Fire Marshall’s office is helping with the investigation.  They’re not sure what started it.