Batman Sequel Set Burns--Blaze Not in the Script

Gotham City detectives leaned back against their squad cars to watch Chicago firefighters combat a blaze in a vacant building at 433 Van Buren St. The unlikely scene was caused by an accidental fire on the 14th floor of the building, which plays the part of "Gotham National Bank" in the upcoming Batman sequel.

At first, onlookers were uncertain about the sincerity of the flames. Should they be alarmed, or was this part of the script? It wasn't. The fire is being blamed on the building's ancient ventilation units, which caught fire on the top floor. This isn't the first time the building has burned, but last time, there weren't movie actors in full costume milling about waiting for their cue.

No one was injured in the incident, and filming for Batman will continue. The cast and crew is slated to be in Chicago this week, London next week. The plan is to return to Chicago by June. Batman will see Christian Bale and Michael Caine reprising their lead roles in the sequel to Batman Begins.

As for the building at 433 Van Buren St., its movie-star days look to be short-lived. Plans are being pitched to Chicago's City Council to convert the vacant giant into offices, residences, and a hotel.