The Roof, The Roof...Hey, It Really IS On Fire!

By Shannon in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 24, 2007 6:38PM

As everyone in Chicago should know by now (if only due to reading Chicagoist), the Batman Begins sequel, The Dark Knight, started filming here last week. In the course of preparation, crews turned the old Post Office on Harrison into a Gotham-ready edifice. Planners and conservationists have wondered what to do with the hulking 1920s relic ever since it was vacated in 1996, but we doubt any of them wanted to set it on fire.

At 11:20 a.m., smoke appeared to come off the 16th floor of the 17-story building. The fire was put out by noon, but firefighters will most likely remain on the scene to make sure no more funny stuff happens. No doubt traffic will be snarled around that general area for some time, so proceed with caution on and around the Eisenhower. Officially there's no word on whether the fire/smoke is related to filming, but let's get real here: It's Batman!

We will try to give you updates on this story where appropriate. If you caught any action pictures, be sure to upload them to Flickr and tag 'em with "Chicagoist"!

Update, 2:25 p.m.: Apparently the fire was not related to filming after all. District Fire Chief Jose Santiago pointed to the ancient ventilation system, which most likely ignited some garbage left in the building. Still no word on whether the Post Office will suffer any lasting damage, nor how extensive it was. And props to Lauren for the tip!

Image courtesy of whereinchicago.