PHOTOS: Arlington Park Fire, 30 Years Ago Today

CHICAGO (CBS) -- It was 30 years ago today that Arlington Park Racecourse erupted in flames.

Hundreds of firefighters were called to fight the massive inferno, which burned out of control for hours.

As WBBM's Regine Schlesinger reports, commanders even considered using ammunition from Fort Sheridan to create a firebreak to stop the flames.

Firefighter Chuck Kramer, who was off-duty, rushed to the scene.

"I remember hearing the commander say he had a confirmed fire and told them, 'What's the most I can have?' They said, 'Five alarms.' He said, 'Start with that.'"

While no people or horses were harmed, the building was destroyed.

Here are photos of the fire, courtesy of the Village of Arlington Heights:

(Click on images to enlarge)