The three-alarm fire broke out around 2am at a business on Yarberry near Hodgekins that leases space to several auto body and mechanic shops.
The fire spread throughout the building, burning dozens of vehicles. At least 70 to 80 firefighters helped to put out the flames.
Crews faced a number of challenges fighting the fire, such as gas tank explosions and hazardous materials, like oil and gas products, so a HazMat team was called out.
In all, firefighters from six departments came out to battle the massive blaze.
One shop owner believes there were 20 cars inside and was concerned she lost everything.
"We are just glad that nobody got hurt, but everything that we own and everything we have been working for all of our lives is there," said shop owner Eunice Montiel. "I mean, it's nothing compared to our lives, but we work hard for it and now it's all gone."
That shop owner believed that some people were living inside the business, but firefighters say that's undetermined at this time.
There were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
___________________________________________________________
Take ABC13 with you!
Download our free apps for iPhone, iPad, Droid and Blackberry devices
