6 Displaced in Belmont Cragin House Fire
Firefighters Battled Blazing Inferno in 2.5-Story Home
An attic fire in a home in Chicago’s Belmont Cragin neighborhood left six people displaced Thursday night, according to officials. The fire started shortly after 12 p.m. in the 5500 block of West Drummond Place and wasn’t fully under control until close to 4 p.m.
Fire Re-ignited, Additional Lines Used to Saturate Building with Water
The fire re-kindled shortly after 7 p.m., prompting the use of additional lines to saturate the building with water. The cause of the fire is still unknown, but it required a call for additional help from the Chicago Fire Department, with at least 100 first responders on the scene.
Challenging Conditions for Firefighters
While no injuries were reported in the blaze, the conditions outside hampered the ability to battle the fire. “It appeared to be a south wind. And the problem is the way everybody was set up it kind of blocked our view and smoke started coming down on us,” said Robert Jurewicz, 2nd District Chief with CFD. The tower ladders assisted in fighting the fire.
Water Pressure Concerns
The bitter cold Thursday also led to concerns over water pressure, but it didn’t appear to hinder firefighting efforts. The city’s water department was on the scene to help.
Structural Concerns and Ongoing Monitoring
A concern once the fire was contained is what happens if the 2.5-story home were to collapse, as it’s so close to neighboring homes. “The gangways are little more than a shoulder width wide. That’s about it,” Jurewicz said. The city’s building department was also on the scene and continues to closely monitor the situation.
Residents’ Concerns and the American Red Cross Response
Ziegelmueller recalls watching tragedy play out on the west coast with California’s wildfires, only to go outside and see smoke filling the air in his own neighborhood. “It’s something that’s on everyone’s mind with things that are going on the in the news. What do you do when you lose your house, right?” he said. The American Red Cross is responding to assist all impacted residents.
Conclusion
The fire in Belmont Cragin serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and preparedness. It’s crucial for residents to have a plan in place in the event of an emergency and to stay informed about fire risks in their area.
FAQs
* What caused the fire? The cause of the fire is still unknown.
* How many people were displaced? Six people were displaced as a result of the fire.
* What assistance is being provided to affected residents? The American Red Cross is responding to assist all impacted residents.
* What is being done to ensure the structural integrity of the home? The city’s building department is closely monitoring the situation and working to ensure the home does not collapse.
