Spring Valley downtown building a total loss after fire

At one point Sunday afternoon, four aerial fire trucks were being utilized to spray a downtown Spring Valley storefront.

The downtown building housing LZ Resale and Indoor Shooting Range at 120 St. Paul St., however, was a total loss. Excavators were utilized during the razing of the building to allow firefighters access in and around the building, which housed ammunition.

There were no injuries.

Firefighters responded to the scene at about 10:30 a.m. Sunday as fire escalated to the fourth alarm of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, drawing the assistance of several area departments.

La Salle, Peru, DePue, Oglesby, Cherry, Malden, Granville, Seatonville, Troy Grove, McNabb, LaMoille, Bureau, Oglesby, and Princeton Fire Departments along with 10/33 Ambulance assisted the Spring Valley Fire Department. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but it is not being considered suspicious, said Fire Chief Todd Bogatitus.

Spring Valley, along with Ladd and Peru firefighters, fought the blaze from inside for the first 20 minutes, before being forced to take a defensive position when visibility was reduced to zero from the heavy smoke.

LZ Resale and Indoor Shooting Range recently reopened after closing in December 2021.

The business posted a message on its Facebook page: “Thanks to everyone involved in the LZ resale emergence today. Due to this circumstance LZ Resale will be closed for some time. As to my family of patrons we will see what tomorrow brings. Thanks for all the well wishes.”