Black smoke poured from the scrapyard located off East Street on Sixth Street. [Photos by Susan DeVilder]

The Kewanee police have blocked off East Street and side streets near Sixth Street where a fire is still blazing at Cernovich’s Auto and Truck salvage yard.

Police blocked off traffic at Sixth and East streets.

According to reports, the fire started shortly after 2 p.m. At least one person who lives near Northeast Park reported hearing a loud explosion around 2:12 p.m.

Kewanee Deputy Police Chief Michael Minx was off duty but on the scene. Minx said area fire departments were joining in with the Kewanee Fire Department to assist in putting out the blaze.

Black smoke filled the air and was seen by residents all over Kewanee.

Black smoke has continued to pour out of the recycling and scrapyard, and residents who live near the blaze said they have heard frequent explosions and thought the building at the scrapyard might now be on fire. Minx said the explosions that could be heard were most likely from oil or acetylene tanks that are on the property.

The fire department is expected to release more information, and The Kewanee Voice will provide an update when it becomes available.