Extra-alarm fire burning in industrial building in Austin

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Firefighters are responding to an extra-alarm blaze in an industrial building in the Austin neighborhood.

The fire started around 2:15 p.m. in the 4700 block of West Lake Street, and Chicago Fire Department officials said the fire was elevated to a 2-11 alarm to help bring in more water resources to contain the flames.

CBS 2's Kris Habermehl reports the fire was burning inside an industrial building with a truss roof, which poses a risk to firefighters, as they are prone to failure without warning. Crews were fighting the flames from a defensive posture outside the building, using at least three aerial ladders.

Fire Department officials said they were told the building has multiple uses, with vehicle repairs being performed in one part, and another part dedicated to making artwork from heavy metal items.

One man was taken to the hospital after being bitten by a dog that was inside a cage inside the building.

The fire did not appear to be affecting service on the adjacent CTA Green Line, which has a stop at Cicero, along Lake Street, just south of the building.

This is a developing story.

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• Chicago
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