Chicago firefighters respond to fire at high-rise building near Gold Coast at State and Maple Streets

CHICAGO (WLS) — Two people were injured in a fire at a high-rise on the city’s north side, sources told ABC7.

ABC7 Chicago now airs 24/7. Click here to watch

The fire occurred around 6:49 a.m. at a high-rise building at State and Maple streets in the city’s Near North neighborhood.

Helicopter 7 flew over the scene at 7 am showing the great response of the Chicago Fire Department.

Two people were taken to hospital, one was in serious condition and the other is expected to recover, sources said.

The fire was contained to the 15th floor unit of a 52-story building.

CFD said an investigation found that “careless disposal of smoking materials” was the cause of the fire.

Kevin Smith, visiting from Holland, Michigan, witnessed flames engulf the single unit.

“Large flames in one room and then it seemed to spread a little bit and then smoke came out,” Smith said.

Chopper7 was on the scene showing the scale of the huge fire brigade response.

Fire trucks and ambulances lined State Street from Oak to Cedar as firefighters worked to secure the building.

“Everyone was getting out of the trucks and going in. All of a sudden you could see the flames starting to go out. Their reaction time was incredible,” Smith said.

“I actually went downstairs and forgot my keys,” said Jake Lamb, who lives in the building. “I was grabbing a spare key from the desk and every time I tried to go back up, all the elevators had closed.”