Crime & Safety

Fire Blazes on Belmont in Lake View (PHOTOS)

The Belmont Avenue fire near the Belmont CTA train station took until nightfall before fire crews began packing up at the scene.

Chicago Police and fire crews responded to a blaze at a three-story building at 1044 W. Belmont Ave. in Lake View Wednesday evening, just blocks from the Belmont CTA train station.

Representatives in Ald. Tom Tunney’s (44th) office said the fire broke out around 4 p.m., but the fire chief at the scene couldn’t confirm the precise time his crew got the call. 

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While the rear porches on the second and third floor above Around the World Tobacco are badly burned, firefighters say nobody was injured. One of the ways firefighters had to access the fire was by streching ladders over the Giordanos Famous Chicago Style Pizza next door. 

Officials say they can’t comment on what started the fire, including whether arson is suspected, because it is still under investigation.

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Police blocked off Belmont Avenue between North Sheffield Avenue and North Clifton Avenue while firefighters put out the blaze, rerouting traffic and buses during rush hour. 

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