A fire in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood threatened the home of the famous Second City comedy theater on Wednesday afternoon and destroyed the theater's offices. Three people were injured, including two firefighters, but none of the injuries were life-threatening.
Fire at Piper's Alley, home of Second City Chicago. Seems to be getting worse. Ongoing for over 30 min. pic.twitter.com/5OlKpy0TXv— Felipe Jorge (@feepae) August 26, 2015
The fire reportedly started around 1 p.m. local time. Aerial photos from the scene showed the fire coming from what looked to be a building located next door to Piper's Alley, a shopping center that houses Second City's theaters, a gym, a movie theater and a handful of other businesses.
Fire in Old Town. Next to Second City. pic.twitter.com/PuMV1d4AfJ— Holmes McHolmester (@bhomey) August 26, 2015
According to DNA Info Chicago, the fire was on the top floor of an adjacent building that houses a Mexican restaurant on its bottom floor but also houses Second City's offices.
@CFDMedia now a 3 11 at. 1612 north wells. Offices of second city destroyed.— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) August 26, 2015
UPDATE: Second City spokesman tells me ALL employees are safe. Offices destroyed but stages NOT damaged. pic.twitter.com/7ZGkQitRMQ— Rob Elgas (@RobElgasABC7) August 26, 2015
BREAKING: Piper's Alley Mall evacuated as crews battle restaurant fire in Old Town... http://t.co/UyjSF7LNB9 pic.twitter.com/9YmNHz2mRH— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) August 26, 2015
A horrible fire at Second City in Chicago's Old Town! @NBCChicago @WGN @CBS2 pic.twitter.com/aMWsILHf6W— Jenn Caston (@JennCaston) August 26, 2015
Huge fire on North Avenue. @chicagobreakingnews pic.twitter.com/rOHXB89dGA— Darren Ostmeyer (@DarrenOstmeyer) August 26, 2015
As firefighters battled the blaze, thick smoke spread through the surrounding neighborhood, obscuring many of the nearby buildings.
I've never seen anything like this. Old Town fire. North & Wells. pic.twitter.com/Usq8NAIlnH— Natasha Liberman (@alacardchicago) August 26, 2015
Second City Fire at North and Wells pic.twitter.com/sO7zDxiz9B— Larry Yellen Fox 32 (@LarryYellen) August 26, 2015
The theater confirmed it had evacuated everyone inside at the time of the fire and all are safe.
UPDATE: All Second City faculty and training center campers have been safely evacuated. Stay tuned for more info. pic.twitter.com/BohRT3NK9N— The Second City (@TheSecondCity) August 26, 2015
The Second City has launched the careers of several comedians, including Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Gilda Radner, Steve Carell, Tina Fey and Chris Farley. The theater also hosts classes and camps for kids, teens and adults.
Wednesday night shows have been canceled.
ALL Second City/UP Comedy Club shows tonight are cancelled. If you had tickets for this evening, a member of our box office will contact you— The Second City (@TheSecondCity) August 26, 2015
Despite the damage seemingly done to its offices, the Theater kept things humorous on Twitter.
The Second City: The only thing in Chicago hotter than the @Cubs. pic.twitter.com/rkSyRx3EvK— The Second City (@TheSecondCity) August 26, 2015
ICYMI: Yes, there's a fire. And we're working on it. #YesAnd #YesAndLifestyle pic.twitter.com/kiqkBId6vZ— The Second City (@TheSecondCity) August 26, 2015