Demolition crews called after massive fire at Gatelys People's building in Roseland

CHICAGO (Sun-Times Media Wire) - Firefighters have put out a three-alarm fire that burned for nearly seven hours at the mostly vacant Gatelys People’s department store building in Roseland.

Crews were called to a blaze at a three-story building about 3:36 a.m. at 112th Street and Edbrooke Avenue, according to the Chicago Fire Department.

“It’s very tough to get in there,” Fire Chief Jack Nagle said at a press conference at the scene, noting that firefighters were unable to enter the building because of safety concerns. “Luckily most of the building is vacant.”

A beauty supply shop, a clothing store and a jewelry store are located in the same building but Nagle said he couldn’t confirm any damages to those businesses.

CFD spokesman Larry Merritt said the fire was struck out by about 10:30 a.m., but crews remained at the scene and continued to spray water on hot spots as of 12:30 p.m.

Merritt said the extent of the damage to any active businesses in the building was not immediately clear, but demolition crews have been called to the scene.

No injuries have been reported, the fire department said.