54-year-old man dies in Joliet Township fire

A 54-year-old man has died from a fire Wednesday in Joliet Township.

Firefighters with the East Joliet Fire Protection District responded to the fire about 4:15 p.m. Wednesday in the 500 block of Pontiac Street.

Firefighters learned there was “one occupant still inside the house,” according to a statement from East Joliet Fire Protection District.

That occupant was Leonard Younge, 54, who died as a “result of a residential fire,” according to the Will County Coroner’s Office.

“Crews were able to extinguish the fire and locate the victim, who unfortunately succumbed to the fire,” fire officials said.

Deputies with the Will County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene about 4:21 p.m. the same day, said Kevin Hedemark, sheriff’s office spokesman.

It was not clear on Thursday what potentially caused the fire or if there was any suspicion of foul play.

“Everything at this point is still under investigation with the Illinois State Fire Marshal,” said Matt Grohar, deputy fire chief for the East Joliet Fire Protection District.

The state fire marshal’s office and the sheriff’s office are investigating the incident.