A 4-11 alarm was called for the fire in the 2400 block of West 21st Place about 1:45 p.m. It was still burning as of about 2:50 p.m., and the building has started to collapse, Fire Media Affairs reported.

 

Service on the CTA’s Pink Line has been suspended between the Central Park and Polk stations because of the fire, which is near CTA property between California and Western avenues.

 

As a result, Pink Line trains are operating only in two sections, between 54th/Cermak and Central Park, and between Polk and the Loop.

 

The building is a 2-story, 100-feet by 300-feet factory and was fully engulfed in flames. No injuries have been reported from the fire, according to Fire Media. As of about 2:40 p.m., the building had started to collapse, according to Fire Media.

 

A 4-11 alarm sends 16 engines, four trucks, two tower ladders, five battalion chiefs, one deputy district chief, one district chief, a deputy fire commissioner, the fire commissioner, a command van and an ambulance to the scene.

 

An EMS Plan I, which sends at least five ambulances to the scene, and a Level I Hazardous Materials response were also called for this fire. The EMS plan was secured about 2 p.m.

 

CTA Shuttle buses are available to provide connecting service through the affected area between between Polk and Central Park. Pink Line riders should also consider using the No. 21 Cermak bus as alternate service between 54th/Cermak and Polk, the CTA says.

 

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