'Suspicious' fire destroys Dolton warehouse, officials say

DOLTON, Ill. (WLS) -- Arson investigators were on the scene for for hours following what has been described as a "suspicious" fire in the south suburbs.

Neighbors said they heard what sounded like a crash before coming outside to find the building engulfed in flames on Tuesday morning.

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"It sounded like a boom," said witness Krystal Wilson. "History just washed away in front of my eyes, this morning."

A devastating inferno tore through the walls of a Dolton business, leaving some cars hollowed and the facility a husk of what it once was.

Illinois Fire Marshals spent hours sifting through burned debris following the fire that authorities say appears to be suspicious.

The building has stood tall for decades but was destroyed within hours.

"It was there for like 20, since I've been here, and it burned down like that," said witness Robert Taylor.

In recent years, it was called E Vett Trucking & Warehouse, a business offering moving services like U-Haul trucks, trailers and towing equipment. At least, until early Tuesday morning.

That is when firefighters were called to the scene near 142nd and Dolton. Chopper 7 was over the scene just before 8 a.m.

The smell of smoke and the sight of flames were just steps away from nearby homes.

A gutted lot is now the center of a possible arson attack.

"How could it burn down? It's not like it's a fire hazard, or anything like that," Taylor said.

"It's a little scary. I hope that's not the case," Wilson said.

No one was hurt in the fire.

Attempts to reach the owner for a comment were not immediately returned.

So far, the cause of the fire remains under investigation.