Fire Damages Business That Constructs Wooden Pallets: Authorities

HARVARD, IL — The cause of a weekend fire within a commercial building in Harvard is being investigated, fire officials said.

The blaze broke out at about 10:45 p.m. Saturday inside a business in the 22000 block of Route 173 in Harvard, according to a news release from the Harvard Fire Protection District. Firefighters responding to the blaze found a heavy fire showing in the back of the 50-foot by 150-foot commercial building.

Due to the layout of the building, and the location of the fire, it was hard for firefighters to get to the blaze, and they had to use various tools to force their way into the building, according to the news release.

The fire was brought under control at 12:20 a.m. The business was closed when the fire broke out, and no injuries were reported.

The business, which constructed wooden pallets, sustained heavy fire, smoke, and water damage throughout.

Although the fire does not appear suspicious in nature, the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.