Extra-Alarm Fire Destroys Metal Plating Facility In Fulton Market District

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A metal plating warehouse in the Fulton Market District will be torn down, after an extra-alarm fire early Thursday caused the roof to cave in and at least one wall to collapse.

The fire started around 4:30 a.m. at American Nickel Works, near Lake and Racine.

The roof of the building was completely destroyed in the blaze, and at least one wall collapsed.

The fire was struck out by about 8:10 a.m. Fire Department officials said the blaze left the building in a dangerous and unstable condition, so it will be torn down.

Crews also spread salt on Lake Street to melt ice that had formed in the road as firefighters doused the flames.

Firefighters also called in a hazardous materials response, due to chemicals inside the building, but officials later said there was no environmental threat to the neighborhood, based on frequent air readings firefighters conducted at the scene.

No injuries were reported.

Because the building is located right next to the 'L' tracks on Lake Street, the CTA suspended service on the Green and Pink lines in the area as firefighters were battling the blaze. Normal service resumed around 8:45 a.m.

In:
• Pink Line
• Green Line
• Chicago Transit Authority