UPDATE: Green Line trains were operating with residual delays as of 9:45 a.m.
An extra-alarm fire burned at a commercial building on Chicago's West Side early Wednesday, disrupting train travel on Chicago Transit Authority tracks during the morning rush hour.
Fire officials were battling the blaze just after 5 a.m. at 5039 W. Lake St.
"Defensive operations at this time. No injuries at this time," the agency wrote on X.
2-11 alarm 5039 W Lake St. 300x100. Defensive operations at this time. No injuries at this time. pic.twitter.com/O7xEetuYHN
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) April 16, 2025
The CTA said the fire suspended Green Line service between Ashland/Lake and Harlem/Lake.
"As a result, trains are operating only between Ashland/63rd, and 63rd/Cottage Grove AND Ashland/Lake at this time," said in an alert to riders.
Local
Shuttle buses were being brought in to help connect service in both directions.
"At this time, also consider other service alternatives that may serve your trip, such as nearby bus routes, or using buses to other rail lines," the CTA said.
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Train service started resuming just before 8 a.m.
Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford told NBC Chicago the fire was "under control" just before 7 a.m., but noted it would take some time before it was fully extinguished.
"This is a stubborn fire," he said.
Langford noted that two people were working inside the building before the fire broke out. Those individuals were not injured in the blaze, however, he said.
A cause of the fire was not immediately known.
Check back for more on this developing story.
