Hundreds Of Firefighters Battle Fire In West Loop Metal Plant

CHICAGO — Fire crews spent hours fighting a fire that broke out at a metal plating company in the West Loop Thursday morning. The fire was first reported at about 4:30 a.m. More than 200 firefighters were called to the scene at the American Nickel Works Company, 1201 West Lake Street.

A commander on scene held the firefighters back from going into the building as several hundred gallons of corrosives and metal oxides were inside, the Chicago Fire Department said. There were also high-voltage wires in a narrow alley beside the plant.

Flames were seen shooting out of the company's roof, and smoke was billowing into the sky.

ComEd was able to shut the power off in the area for the safety of the fire crews.

It took firefighters several hours to put the fire out. Hazmat was called to the scene after to test the area for run-off from the building. No hazardous chemicals were found outside the plant, officials said.

CTA Green and Pink Line service was suspended in the area for several hours.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.