On March 5, 2025, a devastating fire engulfed the Chicago Magnesium Casting Company foundry in Dixmoor, Illinois, completely destroying the facility. Fire crews responded to the blaze around 11:30 p.m. and worked through the night to contain the flames.
Extinguishing the fire proved especially difficult due to the presence of magnesium, a metal that reacts violently with water. The resulting explosions posed a significant hazard to firefighters. Despite these challenges, responders successfully kept the fire from spreading to nearby structures.
By early Thursday morning, much of the foundry had been reduced to rubble, with sections of the roof collapsing due to the intense heat. While investigators from the Illinois State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are looking into the cause of the fire, the extent of the destruction may make it difficult to determine the exact origin.
A firefighter passes the ruined Chicago Magnesium plant in Dixmoor on March 6, 2025, following a large overnight fire at the factory. The officials are investigating the cause of fire at the facility which produces castings for helicopters, jumbo transports and regional jets. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)
The foundry specialized in producing magnesium and aluminum castings for military and commercial aerospace applications, supplying components for helicopters, fighter jets, and transport aircraft.
In response to environmental concerns, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is conducting air and water testing to assess potential contamination. As of Thursday afternoon, results were still pending.
No employees were inside the building when the fire broke out, and no injuries were reported. Officials credited favorable wind conditions with preventing the fire from spreading to nearby residential areas, avoiding the need for evacuations.
While incidents like this are rare, they reinforce the importance of fire response planning and collaboration between foundries and emergency services. NFFS will continue monitoring developments and any potential regulatory implications for the industry.