Chicago (CBS) — A fire at the famous Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse in Marina City sent firefighters to the hospital early Friday evening.
The fire broke out in the kitchen of the iconic steakhouse located at 318 N. on the north bank of the Chicago River. Officials with the St. Chicago Fire Department said the fire traveled through the ventilation system.
There were concerns that smoke could also enter the marina tower in a residential area.
The fire was called around 5:15 p.m., with siren lights illuminating nearby Marina City and State Streets and a haze of smoke clouding the air.
Dozens of firefighters were seen coming in and out of Smith & Wollensky carrying fire equipment.
“Once arrived, both companies did an excellent job containing the fire to the kitchen area,” said CFD District Director Shun T. Haines. “However, the fire did travel within the ductwork and spread through approximately 200 feet of ductwork to the river.”
The fire appeared to be under control by 6 p.m., but fire officials still sounded the alarm and called for more equipment and personnel. Chicago fire boats were also on the scene.
“Not only was there a large amount of smoke throughout the restaurant, but there was also a common area that extended from the restaurant into the residential area, and there was a large amount of smoke within the area as well,” Haynes said.
Alarms sounded in both towers of Marina City.
Meanwhile, smoke billowing from the building was visible from the Chicago River.
Witness Lynn Edgar said: “We were on the water taxi so we were looking out from the river and I could see a lot of black smoke coming up from a small kitchen fire. “There were far more than there were going to be,” he said. . ”
Smith & Wollensky employee Carlos Gramado was working in the kitchen when the fire broke out. Late Friday, it was still unclear how it started.
Gramado said smoke consumed the kitchen area and everything went dark. Staff and customers were immediately evacuated to a safe location.
One firefighter was injured. CBS 2 cameras watched him being loaded onto a stretcher.
He was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Haynes said he toured the restaurant and there did not appear to be any damage from the fire.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation late Friday.
Smith & Wollensky's Marina City store opened in 1998.chicago gourmet icon Hans EschbacherHe was the first executive chef who passed away on Thursday.
The first Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse opened in 1977 in New York City's Midtown East neighborhood of Manhattan.
