Emergency crews responded to a garage fire in Perry Friday evening, which created quite the scene along Willis Avenue.

The fire was reported at around 6:45 p.m., at the residence located at 1718 Willis Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered the detached garage in the rear of the house was almost entirely engulfed in flames. A pillar of black smoke rose above the residence several hundred feat high, which attracted countless onlookers. The Perry Fire Department was able to battle it back in order to protect the house itself and the neighboring residences, though the garage was completely destroyed before long. While crews were on scene, the section of Willis between 7th and 8th streets was blocked off to all traffic.

Initial reports say no one was hurt, and damage to the house itself was mostly minimal and contained to the outside. The neighboring houses appeared to only suffer from some smoke and water damage. Additionally, some nearby vehicles were also reportedly destroyed. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Perry Fire Department. They were aided at the scene by fire crews from Bouton and Dawson. Also responding were the Perry Police Department, Dallas County Sheriff’s Deputies, Dallas County Emergency Medical Services, and representatives from Alliant Energy.

Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.