From the Marengo Fire and Rescue District:
Burn Injury Following Commercial Building Fire
On Monday, December 8, 2025, at 10:05 am, the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts was dispatched to 240 N. Prospect Street in Marengo for an activated commercial fire alarm at Unicarriers.
Firefighters arrived on scene three minutes later and found that the facility had already been evacuated.
Crews were advised that a fire had occurred inside the building, reportedly in a welding room.
Based on the updated information, the incident was upgraded to a structure fire response which prompted additional units to respond.
The fire was contained to the area of a machine and, while very hot, was short lived and extinguished within minutes of the alarm.
Firefighters checked the building to ensure there were no remaining hazards, and all incoming fire companies were returned within twenty minutes.
A male worker sustained serious burn injuries related to the incident.
Paramedics made contact with the patient within minutes, provided initial treatment, and transported him to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford for further care.
No additional injuries were reported.
Assistant Fire Chief Craig Pleva stated, “We were very glad to see how quickly the facility evacuated and grateful that our crews arrived within minutes.
“Our paramedics reached the patient quickly, began treatment right away, and transported him to Rockford so hospital staff could continue his care.
“Our priority was getting him the medical attention he needed as quickly as possible.”
The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
