Update on Morris battery fire

MORRIS – The following letter was sent out Thursday updating the ongoing situation regarding the industrial fire at 919 E. Benton St. in Morris:

The U.S. [Environmental Protection Agency] is continuing to conduct air monitoring and provide guidance and support to the Morris Fire Department and local, state and federal agencies. As of this afternoon, air quality is good and there are no immediate concerns with off-site air quality. Because the safety of our citizens is our highest priority, air monitoring will continue on a 24-hour basis with air samples being collected at four locations around the perimeter of the site.

Please be aware there will be increased activity around the site on Friday and Saturday. This activity will include some demolition of a portion of the building on Friday, which will allow additional access inside the building for firefighters. The aim of this increased activity is to extinguish the last area of fire, which involves about 3,000 pounds of batteries. The fire remains under control and there is no added threat to the citizens in the area.

Law enforcement and fire protection will continue to be present at the scene and will continue to monitor the property and aid those in the area.

This presence of first responders will last into the near future.

Signed,

Morris Mayor Chris Brown

Morris Police Chief Alicia Steffes

Morris Fire Protection and Ambulance District Chief Tracey Steffes

Grundy County Health Administrator Michelle Pruim

Grundy County Emergency Management Agency Agency Director Joe Schroeder