Firefighters battle large Joliet building fire, explosion; 2 injured, officials say | Video

JOLIET, Ill. (WLS) -- Firefighters battled a large blaze that sparked an explosion in Joliet Thursday afternoon.

Joliet firefighters responded just before 2:20 p.m. to a reported fire at 1 S. Eastern Ave.

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When they arrived, there was a large amount of smoke, Joliet fire officials said.

Everyone was reported to be out of the building. Joliet's fire chief now later said a person who was working inside the building had minor burns to his hands, and a police officer was also injured. Both were expected to be okay.

At one point, the fire broke through the roof and caused a partial collapse, fire officials said.

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Chopper 7 was over the scene near South Eastern Street and Washington Street about 4:45 p.m.

There was a large emergency response, as firefighters worked in an industrial area to put water on the large facility that appeared to be severely damaged.

"As crews stretched their initial hose line to the front door, an explosion occurred on the east side of the building," an update for

The roof appeared to be gone, and there was a large amount of smoke rising from the building.

Union Signs and Printing is located at the same address.

Joliet police asked residents to avoid the area, as some roads are closed.