3-alarm fire burns overnight in Englewood

CHICAGO (WLS) -- No one was injured in a huge fire overnight in Englewood, but the building is a total loss, Chicago Fire Department officials said.

Hundreds of firefighters were called to the building in the 6300-block of South Halsted Street around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday. The fire was quickly upgraded to a three-alarm, which brings in more manpower and equipment. Flames were struck around 3:30 a.m., officials said, but hotspots continued Thursday.

PHOTOS: Hundreds of firefighters battle 3-alarm fire in Englewood

Several businesses- including shoe, jewelry and convenience store- were on street level. The apartments above appear vacant.

"It's only 20 feet away from the bank building, which sits to the west, so through the demo we have concerns if anything starts to fail. They have large, two-story high windows in that building. Plus, the winds are taking the smoke and pushing into their bank building. That's what we have to deal with still today," CFD Deputy Fire Chief John McNicholas said.

CTA Green Line trains that run adjacent to the building were stopped, and the #63/63rd Street bus and #8 Halsted buses were rerouted.

The fire appears to have started in the basement. The cause is still under investigation.