Breaking: Fire scorches Groot recycling facility in Plainfield

A fire engulfed a Groot Recycling and Waste Services facility in Plainfield Friday afternoon, May 21, causing workers to evacuate as law enforcement and fire departments from at least four districts including Oswego, Romeoville, Shorewood and Bristol-Kendall responded.

First responders and staff at the Groot material recovery facility located in an industrial park on 10244 Clow Creek Road couldn’t confirm what time the fire started Friday, but the worst of the flames had been extinguished by about 2:30 p.m. Officials reported no injuries.

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Firefighters pump water at the scene of an industrial fire at the Groot Recylcling and Waste Services Center in Plainfield on Friday, May 21, 2021. (Lucas Robinson - lrobinson@shawmedia.com)

“The fire started at a plastic bunker,” Groot employee Frank Fernandez said as fire trucks idled around the facility following the blaze. “We had to get out.”

Battalion Chief Travis Martinez with the Oswego Fire Protection District said firefighters had first been dispatched to the scene for a report of a machinery fire.

“While I was en route I noticed the large header coming from the building and upgraded it to a structure fire,” Martinez said.

This story will be updated as more information is available.