CHICAGO (CBS) – Six people were injured in an apartment fire in West Humboldt Park early Friday morning.
The Chicago Fire Department said the fire broke out around 2 a.m. in a two-story building in the 4300 block of West Thomas.
“Our seniors are vulnerable and need support. And so I had to be here to provide that support.”
Councilwoman Emma Mitts (37th) said that’s why she came out when she first heard about the fire: to see the damage firsthand and find out exactly how she could help the victims.
Firefighters quickly rescued four men from the building and treated them at the scene. Two women were later found and taken to a local hospital.
The victims, in their 70s, suffered smoke inhalation. One of the women treated was in serious condition.
“Our company encountered heavy fire in the basement,” said Deputy Chief Ernie Pinkston. “It does not appear there is a fire that has spread to the upper floors, but again we have our fire department office on site investigating to make a final decision.”
Ald. Mitts said the tenants in the building are part of the Section 8 housing program.
“One thing I’ve discovered since I’ve been here, because none of the family is here, is that all the tenants are Section 8 tenants. And now I have to call Section 8 because the owner is here and he has farmer’s insurance. But that will take care of the building, but now we have to find a place for the seniors until the building is repaired,” Mitts said.
There were no displacements as a result of the fire. The first and second floors were not affected, but the windows were broken to get the smoke out.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing.
Mugo Odigwe
