Large fire burns near downtown Elgin – NBC Chicago

Authorities urged residents to avoid an area near downtown Elgin after a large fire was seen burning near a busy road Wednesday evening and gusty winds worsened fire conditions.

The fire burned in the 500 block of North State Street in Elgin, and first responders began battling the fire in difficult conditions.

It is unknown what exactly caused the fire and which buildings burned in the fire.

Elgin police warned residents to avoid the area due to the large police and fire presence.

Drivers and residents were asked to avoid North State Street between Kimball and Wing Streets and the Kimball Street bridge.

A nearby business, Chihuahua Tire and Rims, told NBC Chicago that a nearby homeless camp was on fire.

Firefighters from surrounding suburbs were also called to help fight the blaze.

The Milwaukee District-West Metra trains were also affected by the fire.

MDW train #2246, scheduled to depart Big Timber Road at 5:22 p.m., will arrive in Elgin due to a fire next to the tracks near Big Timber Road. Metra will provide updates as information becomes available.

— Metra MD-W (@metraMDW) December 4, 2024

Due to an ongoing fire adjacent to the tracks near Big Timber Road, outbound trains will not operate past Elgin until further notice. Metra will provide updates as information becomes available.

— Metra MD-W (@metraMDW) December 4, 2024

No further information was available.

Check out this development story again for more details.