A high-rise in the heart of the Loop was evacuated Sunday afternoon after a fire ignited on the first floor.
Just after 1:30 p.m., there were reports of a fire at the Bank of America located at 33. N. Dearborn, according to police.
Flames started on the first floor, sending at least five ambulances to the scene, Fire Media Affairs Director Larry Langford said.
People who were working in the offices above the bank quickly evacuated and got out safely, according to the Fire Department.
Firefighters went from floor to floor searching stairwells for people after several concerned 911 calls were placed.
Two employees from a nearby Walgreens suffered smoke inhalation and were hospitalized.
Chicago Police Officer Pamela Word was on bike patrol when she noticed the flames.
"It was like a wall of fire," she said.
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The bank, which was closed at the time, is located on the first floor. The rest of the building's 24 floors are occupied by businesses.
The cause of the fire is under investigation
