Authorities in Shorewood Tuesday lifted a "Shelter in Place" order issued earlier that morning as more than 10 agencies responded to a large fire that broke out at a fertilizer and landscaping supply store in Shorewood in Will County, about 45 miles southwest of Chicago.
Police say the shelter in place instructions, specifically for those who live and work within a 2 mile radius of the semi-rural area, were a result of toxic fumes from burning fertilizer inside the structure.
According to authorities, calls for smoke and flames at the giant Tri County Stockdale farm supply store came in around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday. About four hours later, Troy Fire Protection Chief Andy Doyle said during a press conference that the fire destruction has deemed the structure a "total loss."
Doyle noted that, while the fire is currently under control, crews are still working to put out hot spots, which is proving difficult due to weather, humidity and and winds holding the smoke down. Some birds and exotic animals were saved, authorities said.
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According to officials, the Environmental Protection Agency is monitoring the situation, and the fire is currently under investigation.
Road closures, from Black road and River road to County Line road, are expected to continue throughout the day.
