Baling Machine Fire Contained at Smurfit Westrock New Lenox Packaging Facility

New Lenox, IL -- A baling machine ignited at a New Lenox packaging plant Thursday afternoon, Jan. 15, according to New Lenox Fire District officials.​

New Lenox firefighters responded to a reported structure fire at 2251 Berens Drive in New Lenox at 1:12 p.m. Thursday. Smurfit Westrock, a paper and packaging company, operates at that address. Upon arrival, crews discovered a baling machine ablaze in an isolated room, with smoke filling the building.​

The facility's automatic sprinkler system activated and contained the fire effectively, fire officials reported. Fire crews provided additional suppression to fully extinguish the blaze. The incident remained under control as of 3 p.m., though operations continued.​

Multiple agencies supported the response and station coverage, including the Frankfort Fire Protection District and Manhattan Fire Protection District, ensuring community service continuity. Additional details will follow as available.