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.”

Fire at Macy's State Street: False Alarm

Fire crews responded to reports of smoke billowing from Macy's on State St., but determined that it was exhaust coming from the stores restaurant level and not smoke or fire. What was thought to be smoke was seen coming out of store windows at approximately 12:45 p.m. There were no injuries reported.

Firefighters respond to report or smoke at Macy's on State St.

The landmark store at 111 N. State St. had a similar incident in 2007. On December 18, someone mistook steam for smoke.

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South Loop Fire Follow-Up

Fire Extinguished
The fire at 1326 S. Michigan Ave. has been extinguished. According the the Chicago Sun-Times, the fire was reported at 3:20 a.m. Tuesday morning. By 6:25 a.m., the fire was under control. At 12:40 p.m., they were still diverting southbound traffic off of Michigan Ave. between 13th and 14th Streets. Cleanup was underway and water was still running out of the empty commercial property.

The wind, which was such a factor battling the fire, can be heard blowing on the video below.

1326 S. Michigan before the fire.

According to some in the neighborhood, the firemen did a great job keeping the fire contained. No high-rise buildings needed to be evacuated during the blaze.

During the lunch hour, southbound traffic on S. Michigan Ave. was diverted at 13th Street.

Firemen begin the cleanup

1326 S. Michigan Ave. after the fire.

Video of Fire at 1326 S. Michigan

Helicopters are still circling overhead as the fire continues to burn. Check out the video footage below taken today at approximately 7:00 a.m. You can hear the wind blowing, which is making it harder to put out the blaze.