Electrical Fire Causes $500,000 in Damage at DeKalb Manufacturing Facility

DEKALB — A fire caused an estimated $500,000 in damage at an industrial manufacturing facility in DeKalb early Wednesday morning. The DeKalb Fire Department responded at 12:33 a.m. to the 800 block of  E. Locust St. and found smoke coming from the building. Firefighters encountered high voltage electrical arcing from a second floor electrical panel and used dry chemical extinguishers to control visible flames while the building’s sprinkler system helped contain the fire. Firefighters temporarily withdrew until ComEd could disconnect power. All occupants were accounted for and no injuries were reported. The fire was determined to have been caused by an electrical issue.