Chicago Tribune
(TNS)
Chicago City Hall and the County Building were evacuated Wednesday after a fire broke out in the records storage area.
The contents of the fire were quickly extinguished and smoke conditions are being treated with fans and window ventilation, officials said.
Paramedics were on site at 118 N. Clark St. to evaluate a few people, officials said.
The chambers of Chicago City Council were evacuated around 11:30, mid-meeting, and staff from City Hall spilled out into the chilly winds of LaSalle Street. Others from the county side of the building made their way to Christkindlmarket, past several fire trucks and ambulances.
Some aldermen took refuge at the bar City Social across the street, and many didn’t have time to grab their coats.
The fire started on the third floor of the county side of the building, which is under renovation, officials at the scene said. The smell of smoke lingered well past noon.
After City Council staff were let back in the building, they were briefly greeted by the tune of “Fire” by Ohio Players on the P.A. system.
©2024 Chicago Tribune. Visit chicagotribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
