Addison truck repair shop fire destroys 12 vehicles, creates environmental hazard

A late Monday night fire at an Addison business that tows and repairs large trucks destroyed 12 vehicles and eight trailers, and created a significant environmental hazard, authorities said.

Addison Fire Protection District Chief Scott Walker said no one was injured in the blaze first reported just after 10 p.m., but leaking diesel and oil from the damaged vehicles created a "long-term hazmat" situation at the business on the 500 block of Vista Avenue.

"The diesel and oil got soaked into the ground and also ran into a nearby pond," Walker said. "The cleanup of that alone is going to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars."

The damage estimate to the trucks and trailers was unknown.

Firefighters from 10 different agencies responded to the blaze and were hampered initially by nonfunctioning hydrants near the business, Walker said.

It took firefighters nearly 45 minutes to get the fire under control. None of the vehicles or trailers exploded, but firefighters had to take care to avoid explosions from overheated truck tires and brake cylinders, which is more common, Walker said.

Firefighters also blocked drains on the adjacent streets to avoid the diesel and oil from getting into sewer systems. The runoff was directed onto nearby Fullerton Street, where it was allowed to pool and eventually be cleaned up by a company that specializes in removing contaminated water, Walker said.

Firefighters were on site until 2 a.m. performing salvage operations and checking for hot spots.

Walker said the fire remains under investigation, adding they know which vehicle started the blaze but don't know why.

All the vehicles' batteries had been disconnected to prevent this type of incident, Walker explained.

Officials at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency said they were made aware of the contamination at the property and said an "environmental contractor was hired for cleanup and remediation."

IEPA officials noted that some water runoff from fire suppression efforts had reached sewer systems and will be part of the cleanup work. State investigators were on scene earlier Tuesday to check on cleanup progress. No timeline was given for the work to be complete.