A warehouse on Chicago’s West Side was destroyed by a massive fire on Tuesday evening, as reported by AP News.
The Commercial Pallet warehouse in West Town caught fire, prompting hundreds of firefighters to respond.
High winds fueled the fire, causing a plume of black smoke visible for miles.
Chicago Fire Department First District Chief Jim McDonough stated: “Two firefighters were injured and transported to the hospital in good condition.” No employees of the warehouse were injured.
Emergency crews began leaving the scene around 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Authorities have not released any information regarding the cause of the fire.
Chief McDonough mentioned that the building was a total loss.
The Chicago Fire Department did not immediately respond to requests for comments on the incident.
The fire caused significant disruption in the area, including halting Metra commuter train service.
Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management & Communications reported that the fire damaged some train tracks, contributing to the transportation issues.
Hundreds of firefighters were involved in battling the fire, showcasing a swift and extensive emergency response.
Despite the intensity of the blaze and the challenges posed by high winds, the fire was contained by early Wednesday morning.
The community witnessed the effects of the fire through the extensive smoke that billowed over the neighborhood.
The focus now turns to investigating the cause and assessing the full extent of the damage.
