Second City offices destroyed in afternoon blaze

Three people, including two firefighters, have been injured in a blaze that reportedly consumed the administrative offices of Chicago's famed Second City theater in the city's Old Town neighborhood.

The blaze was reported shortly after 1 p.m. at the Adobo Grill inside Piper's Alley Mall at 1612 N. Wells St., according to Chicago fire officials.

Fire officials declared the fire extinguished shortly before 4 p.m.

The restaurant is located next to the Second City theater, but the stage was not damaged, according to numerous reports.

Second City canceled all performances at its theaters and in the UP Comedy Club in Piper's Alley for Wednesday. In a late-afternoon Twitter post titled "We are safe," the company thanked firefighters and supporters and said it will release an updated schedule for the week "when we know more."

The Chicago Fire Department included a photo of the empty main stage and seating area in a 5:30 p.m. Twitter post, adding, "Theater looks good!"

Fire department spokesman Larry Langford said the fire spread from the restaurant through vents to the roof and caused extensive damage to the theater company's offices.

Langford said the injuries were not life-threatening.

Theater officials said its staff had been evacuated safely.

First opening its doors in 1959, the Second City has catapulted scores to stardom. Home to one of the longest-running cabaret stages in the country, Second City was the training grounds for such iconic comedians as Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Tina Fey, Amy Sedaris, Martin Short and George Wendt. It's often considered a proving ground for those who go on to star on NBC's Saturday Night Live.

Today, it offers several different shows each week as well as renowned classes in writing, acting and improvisation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.