Exploding aerial fireworks and mortars inside a burning building slowed firefighter efforts at a Galesburg garage fire Saturday.
The Galesburg Fire Department responded to a structure fire at around 3 p.m. Saturday at 900 Bateman St. Upon arrival, personnel encountered smoke and fire coming from a detached garage at the rear of the residence.
Crews used multiple hose lines to protect nearby structures and to extinguish the fire. According to a news release, the fire attack was slowed due to aerial fireworks and mortars inside the garage igniting and propelling toward the firefighters.
There were no occupants inside the garage at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.
The garage was determined to be a total loss. There was minor damage to a nearby vehicle and trailer. Preliminary damage is estimated at $18,000.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by Galesburg Fire investigators.
