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5-Alarm Factory Fire At Newly Weds Foods In Kelvyn Park Leaves Building A Total Loss

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Crews were on the scene of a fire at Newly Weds Foods, a factory near North Keeler Avenue and West Wrightwood Avenue in the Kelvyn Park neighborhood.

Crews responded to the five-alarm fire just before 5 p.m. The massive blaze caused the building to collapse.

There were no injuries to workers, the Chicago Fire Department said via Twitter. One firefighter was transferred to a hospital with a minor injury to the knee, officials said.

The fire started in a dryer for bread crumbs, according to a plant manager. He said it was small, but they knew it was going to be a major issue. It started with people screaming, and managers were able to get people out from all departments before the fire department arrived.

Hundreds of people work in the building, according to the manager. All employees have been accounted for, according to the Chicago Fire Department.

Thick black smoke and flames coming from the roof of the building could be seen for miles.

According to the company's Facebook page, it is a restaurant wholesaler, and its products include batters, breading, seasonings and more. The company was founded in 1932 and maintains its headquarters in Chicago, its website states.

Fire officials called the building a total loss when it started collapsing in on itself.

Newly Weds Foods Fire

Chicago's Department of Water Management actually stepped up water pressure in the area to help firefighters fight the relentless flames.

Metra trains on the Milwaukee North Line were still going through the area on tracks next to the fire around 5:40 p.m., but Metra stopped inbound and outbound trains before the area shortly before 6 p.m.

 

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