ComEd electrical vault fire prompts hazmat response in Chicago's West Loop

CHICAGO (CBS) — A ComEd electrical vault caught fire in Chicago's West Loop on Wednesday morning.

The Chicago Fire Department confirmed a Level 2 hazmat response was underway as heavy smoke and flames billowed from the electrical source at 113 North Green Street.

A nearby hotel was evacuated.

Hotel guest Michael Worrall told CBS News Chicago he was alerted of the evacuations over a loud speaker. He said he saw dark smoke.

"From our angle we could not see if the smoke was coming from the building or from the sidewalk," Worrall said.

CBS News Chicago's Kris Habermehl said the Chicago Fire Department could not fight the fire until ComEd crews cut the power source.

This is expected to impact power throughout the area.

This is a developing story.