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14 March 2025
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Large scale fire in a magnesium factory triggered explosions in Blue Island, Illinois, US
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A large fire broke out late Wednesday night, 5 March 2025, at a magnesium manufacturing plant in Blue Island, in the outskirts of Illinois in the US, causing explosions and a hazardous materials response. The Chicago Magnesium plant manufactures aircraft components ie castings for helicopters, jet fighters, jumbo transports and regional jets for both commercial and military. Fire crews were called to the facility according to Chief Jeff Cook of the Posen Fire Department. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered intense fire through the roof. The location of the fire at the rear of the building, near railroad tracks, complicated access for emergency responders.
About 80 firefighters from several south suburban departments responded to the scene and worked for more than six hours to put out the fire. The presence of magnesium, a combustible metal, made the response more difficult, leading to multiple explosions inside the structure. Hazmat teams were dispatched to the scene to address the hazardous material concerns.
Ladder trucks sprayed water on the fire from above, while ground crews controlled the spread.
Because water or foam cause explosions if applied to magnesium fires, the plant fire was a challenge. Firefighters trained hoses on areas thought to have no magnesium in them, to cool them, while the magnesium burned itself out. Nevertheless, there were several explosions during the course of the fire.
Chief Cook said when crews arrived, flames could be seen shooting out of the roof of the plant. "Magnesium reacts with water so that makes it a challenge," Chief Cook said. "We had quite a few different explosions that were happening there in the building from that chemical reaction. We were able to contain it but that was one of the big issues."
Chief Cook called the plant "a total loss.” The fire ultimately caused the roof of the plant to collapse. No one was injured in the fire and the cause is being investigated.
Fire crews continued working to ensure the flames were fully extinguished. Media reports have said explosions were still heard early in the morning hours.
Sources: CBS News, NBC Chicago
About 80 firefighters from several south suburban departments responded to the scene and worked for more than six hours to put out the fire. The presence of magnesium, a combustible metal, made the response more difficult, leading to multiple explosions inside the structure. Hazmat teams were dispatched to the scene to address the hazardous material concerns.
Ladder trucks sprayed water on the fire from above, while ground crews controlled the spread.
Because water or foam cause explosions if applied to magnesium fires, the plant fire was a challenge. Firefighters trained hoses on areas thought to have no magnesium in them, to cool them, while the magnesium burned itself out. Nevertheless, there were several explosions during the course of the fire.
Chief Cook said when crews arrived, flames could be seen shooting out of the roof of the plant. "Magnesium reacts with water so that makes it a challenge," Chief Cook said. "We had quite a few different explosions that were happening there in the building from that chemical reaction. We were able to contain it but that was one of the big issues."
Chief Cook called the plant "a total loss.” The fire ultimately caused the roof of the plant to collapse. No one was injured in the fire and the cause is being investigated.
Fire crews continued working to ensure the flames were fully extinguished. Media reports have said explosions were still heard early in the morning hours.
Sources: CBS News, NBC Chicago