Joliet, Illinois-based Rovanco Piping Systems suffered a massive fire before dawn on Monday morning, April 14. The pre-insulated piping systems manufacturer is a privately held company that maintains three manufacturing facilities totaling nearly 150,000 square feet and encompassing 20 acres. One of these three facilities is now in ruins after two employees discovered the fire upon arriving to work Monday morning.

Troy Fire Protection District Chief Paul Hertzmann said the workers realized how big the situation was and were able to evacuate as they quickly called 911.

Fire officials say the fire broke out around 4 a.m. at the manufacturing facility on 0535 SE Frontage Road, near Joliet and Shorewood in Troy Township. Troy Fire Protection District, along with several other departments, responded to the scene where one firefighter was injured, but no civilians were hurt. Crews from more than 30 agencies were called in to help fight the fire.

Chad Godeaux, president of Ravanco Piping Systems, said that despite this fire, the company is able to keep operations moving as usual. "The fire took place at only one of our seven buildings. We are continuing business as usual and are manufacturing projects as we speak." 

Unfortunately, manufacturing facility fires are quite common. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 36,784 fires at industrial or manufacturing properties between 2017 and 2021. Electrical malfunctions, combustible dust, overheated or faulty equipment, and natural gas and propane are all common causes of manufacturing facility fires.

People in the surrounding area reported multiple explosions during the blaze. The cause of the fire is still unknown. Chemicals were present inside Rovanco’s facility, but fire officials said there were no air quality concerns associated with the flames.