[Right_Handed_Writer]

Old buildings in this town never had sprinklers, nor have they been required to YET.

This is now a 5-11 alarm (that's as high as it goes in Chicago, aboit 1/2 of the on duty FF's) and an EMS plan 3. I am monitoring the MED channels and have not yet heard any communications to the area hospitals, nor has there been any reports across the fire channels or the police command channel set up.

So far communications seem really good, both police and particularly fire. It seems most personnel on the scene are being used for rescue operations. Last I heard they had 3 lines on the fire. MED channels just starting to squak. Minor injuries so far including 1 FF with a minor injury. And just reported 1 FF with a critical injury

[Velveeta]

And just reported 1 FF with a critical injury

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Prayers for the firefighters.

Report on ABC of 8 persons being transported to hospitals

[Velveeta]

Drudge has the word 'explosion'.

I hadn't heard that before, have you?

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From Drudge
FLASH: Fire has been going for 1.5 hours... not contained.... LaSalle Bank Building, 135 South Lasalle in the Loop... Large explosion seen on WLS ... fire moving from one window to another... WLS TV reporting confusion in the stairwells...doors locking... 'firefighters say go back up.....but doors locked'... people shown on CBS WBBM injured in lobby... MORE...

[JustPiper]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1295787/posts?page=158