Joliet Target store may stay closed for several weeks after fire

The Target store in Joliet may stay closed for several weeks after an open air cooler caught on fire and filled the building with smoke, according to a company spokesman.

No injuries were reported in the Friday morning incident that led to extensive smoke damage throughout the store located at 2701 Plainfield Road, Joliet Fire Chief Greg Blaskey said.

However, the store may remain closed for several weeks, Target spokesman Brian Harper-Tibaldo said in a statement.

“We’re working with the fire department to investigate and we expect the store to be closed for several weeks during repairs and restocking,” Harper-Tibaldo said.

Guests are invited to visit nearby stores in Lemont or Shorewood for their needs during that time, Harper-Tibaldo said. Company officials believe the fire was caused by a cooler malfunction, he said.

“We appreciate our team and first responders and we’re grateful that no one was injured,” Harper-Tibaldo said.

About 7 a.m. Friday, firefighters with the Joliet Fire Department responded to the Target for a report of smoke in the building, Blaskey said.

“Upon arrival, crews determined an open air cooler in the fresh food section of the store had caught fire,” Blaskey said.

The fire was quickly extinguished, Blaskey said. However, the entire store was filled with smoke and caused damage throughout the building, he said.

“No injuries were reported and it is unknown how long the store will be closed,” Blaskey said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, he said.

“Target will need to go through their products and determine viability,” Blaskey said.