Chicago, Illinois – A massive fire engulfed a commercial business in the West Town neighborhood on Tuesday evening, requiring hundreds of Chicago firefighters to battle the blaze. The fire, which broke out at a pallet company on West Hubbard Street, quickly spread through a two-story front office area and a large single-story warehouse containing approximately 20,000 wooden pallets.
According to Chicago Fire Department First District Chief Jim McDonough, the fire started in the warehouse’s back side where most of the wood was stored. Strong winds from the south aided in the rapid spread of the flames, making it challenging for firefighters to contain the fire upon arrival.
As the fire raged on, it caused the warehouse roof to collapse, prompting the fire department to declare a hazmat situation as a precaution due to the unknown materials burning in the building. The hazmat protocol will remain in place until further information is gathered on the materials involved and any potential risks they may pose.
Despite the intense efforts of the CFD responders, the pallet company was declared a total loss, while the adjacent buildings to the east and west were spared from the spreading fire. Fortunately, all 18 employees present at the site during the fire managed to escape unharmed, though two firefighters sustained minor injuries and are expected to recover fully.
Smoke from the fire was visible and smelled for miles around, reaching as far as Edgewater. The Metra UP-North, Milwaukee-North, and Milwaukee-West lines were temporarily stopped due to the fire but have since resumed with significant delays.
Chief McDonough stated that crews will remain at the scene overnight to address any remaining hot spots and hidden fires caused by the collapsed roof. Although the cause of the fire is under investigation, the worst of the flames had been extinguished by 9 p.m., bringing some relief to the situation.