Fire in a West Loop High-Rise

By Laura Oppenheimer in News on Mar 28, 2007 5:41PM

A fire on the roof of the Heller International Building at 500 W. Monroe St. broke out just before noon today. We've been seeing lots and lots of smoke, but aren't sure how large the actual fire is.

The Trib isn't reporting any injuries — yet — but that hasn't stopped the media from hurrying over. Between the sirens, the helicopters and the fire trucks racing around, it sort of feels like a war zone in the West Loop.

Update: ABC7 is reporting the building isn't being evacuated because the fire is contained to the roof. Anyone based out of 500 W. Monroe St. know anything?

Update: People were evacuated from the building and at least four people were taken to the hospital.

Update: The CTA is rerouting several bus routes due to street closures. The affected routes are #60 Blue Island/26th, #124 Navy Pier and #157 Streeterville.

Update: The fire was extinguished by 1 p.m. this afternoon and the people taken to the hospital are in good condition.

Image via Peter Mavrik.