Fire triggers evacuation at City Hall; no one seriously hurt
A fire that started in a records storage area of City Hall which triggered an evacuation of the City Council chambers was extinguished Wednesday afternoon in the Loop.
Paramedics were "checking out a couple people," on the scene, but there were no reports of serious injuries, according to a Chicago Fire Department post on X.
The blaze erupted about 11:15 a.m. on the county side of the building at 118 N. Clark St. in a records storage area, the fire department and police said. At least five ambulances were sent to the scene.
Still and box now struck at county side of city hall/ county building. Fire was in a records storage area. Contents fire quickly put out. Some smoke conditions being treated with fans and window ventilation. EMS checking out a couple people. Address 118 north Clark
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) December 11, 2024
Flames that burned contents in the storage area were quickly extinguished by early afternoon, and
fans and opened windows were used to release smoke, the Fire Department said.
City Council chambers were evacuated during a meeting, which was recessed due to the emergency, according to a witness. The meeting reconvened at 1:15 p.m.
Officials did not say how the fire began.