Chicago Firehouse restaurant on fire

South Loop landmark, Chicago Firehouse restaurant, 1401 S. Michigan, is on fire. According to the Chicago Tribune, the blaze started at about 10:30 a.m. Roofers doing repair work are being blamed for the fire. The roofers “had an accident,’’ said Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford who was at the scene, again according to the Chicago Tribune report. Sections of the roof appear to have collapsed. Everyone inside was able to get out safely.

Fire started on the roof, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune.

The blaze brought heavy smoke billowing down South Michigan Ave. At times it looked like heavy fog with little visibility between 14th and 16th streets.

Smoke was thick at 16th and Michigan

The Chicago Firehouse has been a South Loop landmark since it opened in 2000 was a favorite of Mayor Daley’s. According to the restaurant’s Web site, “The building was erected in 1905 by a famous architect by the name of Charles Harmann. The firehouse was built to serve the Prairie Avenue Community and its surroundings.

Residents of Prairie Avenue consisted of many of the first families of Chicago, such as the Marshall Fields, the McCormicks, the Palmers and the Glessners. Prairie Avenue from 17th to 20th Street was filled with the many socialites of the day who had built homes following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.”