Firefighters in Central Illinois battled a blaze at a tire-recycling facility that officials fear could go on for days.

Firefighters were called to J&R Used Tire Service in Hoopeston early Wednesday. There they found part of the 400,000-square-foot brick facility engulfed in flames.

Hoopeston Fire Chief Cliff Crabtree says the building is filed with tires. He added the fire could burn either 24 to 36 hours, or for several days.

Police Chief Mark Drollinger said residents of nearby homes and apartment buildings were evacuated. He said he know how long residents would remain out their homes.

Maple, Elm and Chestnut Streets were among local routes closed.

Lance Smith, a brother of the facility's owner, said 5-15 workers were in the building when the fire began. All managed to escape without injury.

94.1 FM, WGFA