Parking structure catches fire outside townhouses near Rush University Medical Center

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago firefighters have struck out an extra-alarm blaze in a parking structure near Rush Medical Center.

CFD responded to the fire around 3 p.m. in the 700-block of South Ashland Avenue. The fire broke out in a one-story parking garage in front of multi-unit townhouses, fire officials said.

The blaze caused the garage's building to collapse. Vehicles inside the garage were on fire, CFD said. Fire officials said 22 vehicles were damaged in the incident.

Both sides of Ashland Avenue were shut down to traffic as firefighters worked. Drivers were asked to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

No injuries have been reported. Fire officials said the gasoline and other materials in the vehicles helped fuel the fire.