The roof of the century-old firehouse that houses the Chicago Firehouse Restaurant collapsed Wednesday, amid an intense blaze that sent smoke billowing over Michigan Avenue and took more than 100 firefighters to extinguish.
Fire Media Affairs said crews responded to the restaurant at 1401 S. Michigan Ave. shortly after 10:30 a.m., where they called an extra alarm.
The blaze was caused by a roofing accident involving propane tanks, according to Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago.
"Four 100-pound propane tanks up on top and they were working up there," Santiago, who once worked in the firehouse, said.
Smoke and flames were seen billowing out of the building.
Fire officials said they were fighting flames from the exterior after sections of the roof collapsed on the second floor. Just before noon, officials said the entire roof had collapsed.
More than 100 firefighters worked to put out the flames and the fire was extinguished shortly before 1 p.m., officials said. No injuries were reported.
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The owner Chicago Firehouse Restaurant said the restaurant will reopen.
"We owe it to our history, our team and our community to preserve this treasured Chicago landmark, which will remain a cornerstone of thee South Loop neighborhood," owner Matthew O'Malley said in a statement.
The firehouse, built in 1905, is the old quarters of Engine 104 and was used in the making of Backdraft.
The restaurant was frequented by former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, who even dined there with then-President George W. Bush.
It is owned by the same investors who own the Park Grill Chicago.
"Sad, sad moment," said South Loop resident Bill Stamper. "Hopefully they can rebuild, don't know though."
Check back for details on this developing story.
