**From The Chicago Tribune:**
Late last night, a long-abandoned building that once served as the heart of the community in west suburban Lyons suffered extensive damage after a massive fire swept through it. Local officials confirmed that the iconic Chamber of Commerce building, located at 3901 Joliet Ave., was left in ruins.
The fire erupted just before 2:30 a.m., quickly engulfing the two-story structure. By the time firefighters arrived, flames were already roaring out of the first-floor windows. Fire Chief Gordon Nord explained that the intensity of the fire overwhelmed their initial efforts. “We tried our best to control it, but the situation escalated rapidly,†he stated. “By the time we realized the severity, it had spread too far. We had no choice but to pull everyone out and switch to a defensive strategy.â€
The fire burned for several hours before it was finally brought under control around 6 a.m. Chief Nord noted that the damage was catastrophic. He added that the building would need to be demolished due to its unstable condition. Thankfully, no one was injured during the incident.
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**From CBS Chicago:**
In a harrowing turn of events, a historic building in Lyons met its end in a fire that raged through the small community overnight. The vacant Lyons Chamber of Commerce building, a beloved local landmark, succumbed to the flames. Built in the 1900s, this two-story structure was known for its striking ivory façade, intricate doorways, and turrets that resembled something out of a fairytale. Despite sitting unused for years, it remained a cherished symbol of the town.
Firefighters worked tirelessly for nearly four hours to combat the blaze, which began around 2:30 a.m. According to Chief Nord, the fire initially raged inside the building's tin-ceilinged first floor, creating significant challenges due to hidden voids that allowed the flames to spread unchecked. One of the building's turret-like corners even collapsed mid-firefight, further complicating the efforts.
Although the building retained electricity, Nord mentioned that gas services had been cut off for an extended period prior to the incident. Despite the intense firefighting efforts, the structure could not be saved. Chief Nord emphasized that the damage was beyond repair. “It’s unfortunate,†he said, “but this building simply can’t stand anymore.â€
Investigators are still trying to determine the exact cause of the fire, but early indications point to the possibility of accidental ignition. No injuries were reported, but the loss of such a historical site has deeply affected the community.
Attached are images taken by photographer Brad Bartley, capturing the aftermath of the fire. They serve as a somber reminder of what once stood proudly in Lyons.
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**Photos by Brad Bartley**
*(Note: Thanks to Dan for sharing these images.)*
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