Crematorium destroyed in fire at Batavia-area cemetery

The crematorium at the River Hills Memorial Park was destroyed Thursday after a fire broke out at the Batavia-area cemetery's crematorium, authorities said.

Batavia firefighters battled the Thanksgiving Day blaze at the crematorium and a neighboring storage facility at about noon at 1650 S. River Street in unincorporated Batavia.

Authorities said the 50-by-50-foot metal frame building was fully engulfed in flames when the call came in.

There were no injuries reported in the fire, which seemed to ignite while a body was being cremated.

Authorities said the fire caused about $550,000 in damages.

Additional fire units were called in from St. Charles, Geneva, North Aurora and Fermilab to assist in snuffing out the blaze.

The fire did not appear to be suspicious, but it remains under investigation, authorities said.

Route 25 - also known as River Street in that area - River Street was closed for about two hours while firefighters battled the blaze.