Fireworks ignite during garage fire in Galesburg

GALESBURG, Ill. (WMBD) — Galesburg firefighters were slowed down when fireworks started going off during a garage fire near Bateman and Greenleaf Streets on Saturday.

According to Galesburg Fire Chief Randy Hovind , 11 firefighters responded to the fire at 2:59 p.m. When they arrived on the scene, firefighters observed smoke coming from a detached garage.

While firefighters started to extinguish the fire, aerial fireworks and mortars inside the garage began to ignite and propel toward the firefighters. Off-duty firefighters were called in to assist. No injuries were reported.

The garage was a total loss. There was also minor damage to a nearby vehicle and trailer. The fire caused an estimated $18,000 in damages.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Galesburg fire investigators.

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