Large fire at General Iron at Marcey and Cortland is hazmat situation

This view was captured around 10 a.m. by Bucktown's Steve Jensen

Plumes of black smoke rose from flames in large fire at General Iron scrap yard at Marcey and Cortland, where a hazmat level 1 fire is expected to burn for hours, according to a Chicago Fire Department (CFD) spokesperson. 

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— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) December 6, 2015

The fire that began at approximately 9 a.m. this morning, Sunday, has 39 Chicago Fire Department vehicles and 100 firemen fighting the blaze. 

This was view of fire from Elston and Cortland as captured by Alderman Waguespack

Concerned for the employees at the facility, Scott Waguespack, 32nd Ward Alderman, reached out to the facility owner, Adam Labkon. Labkon who was on the scene immediately working with CFD, told the Alderman that everyone was safe. 

"The facility is closed on Sundays and no one was hurt," reported Waguespack. He also said that the smoke was intense and the particulate matter in the air was very heavy as he took photographs. 

Heavy particulates hang in the air in this Waguespack shot

The fire source is unknown, according to CFD. Fumes are spreading throughout the area west of the River as well as around the immediate site.