Overview
- The blaze erupted Wednesday afternoon at 1602 Drexel Avenue, sending heavy smoke into the air as flames tore through the roof.
- Fire crews took a defensive approach and battled the fire from outside due to collapse risk, with a two-alarm response reported.
- Photos and video show the building reduced to smoldering ruins, including a large hole visible in the roof.
- Two maintenance workers were treated for smoke inhalation and released, and authorities said no one else was inside.
- The Illinois State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause, which the sheriff’s office said did not appear suspicious as of Thursday morning.