On Monday, May 21, 2007 at approximately 2240 hours, Pekin Firefighters recieved a call for a structure at the T-Shirt House. First arriving companies found heavy fire through the roof and heavy fire throughout the back of the structure, with multiple explosions from the structure.
A defensive attack was immediately set up with 2 aerials, and 2 deck guns.Pekin called in several off duty firefighters , and East Peoria and Peoria Fire Departments were called in supplying an engine and 4 personnel each for mutual aid. Holes were cut into the structure to try to contain the large amount of fire, and handlines were set-up at the back side of the building to prevent extension into a warehouse section.
The Fire was under control at around 0100 with the last units clearing around 0700 Tuesday Morning. Investigators from the Pekin Fire Department and State Fire Marshal's Office are working the fire for a cause. One employee was inside the structure and made it out safely.
The T-shirt house is a Pekin landmark supplying hats, t-shirts and other supplies to businesses and sports teams throughout the State. It has been in business for over 30 + years. Owners say they will rebuild.
