An attic fire in Chicago's Belmont Cragin neighborhood has displaced six people, after the blaze tore through a 2½-story apartment building on Thursday afternoon, NBC Chicago reports. The fire, which began just after noon on the 5500 block of West Drummond Place, escalated to a 2-11 alarm, sending roughly 100 firefighters to combat the flames that were eruptively emerging from the building's upper level, as detailed in a CBS Chicago coverage of the event.
Despite the cold weather, which presented challenges such as low water pressure; the Chicago Fire Department managed to douse the fire by utilizing two tower ladder trucks, before it could inflict damage on neighboring structures, by around 3:15 p.m. the Chicago Water Department intervened to remedy the water pressure issue soon allowing firefighters on the roof of at least one adjacent building, they were extinguishing remnants and containing the fire's spread. "My thoughts go out to all of them," neighbor Ziggy Ziegelmueller expressed to NBC Chicago, reflecting the community's concern for those affected.
While the fire did not cause physical injuries, Chicago Fire Department District Chief, Robert Jurewicz, noted the operational difficulties posed by the south wind which "kind of blocked our view and smoke started coming down on us," according to his statement obtained by NBC Chicago. The building now leans against a neighboring structure, prompting the Chicago Department of Buildings to dispatch crews for stabilization efforts, Jurewicz elaborated in a report by CBS Chicago.
Crews are expected to remain on the scene to ensure that the fire does not rekindle, the building where the fire originated looks to be a total loss after the fire left a gaping hole in its roof, the displaced residents have not been reported to suffer any harm as "everyone got out safe" according to the coverage by CBS Chicago. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the repercussions of the inferno are set to ripple through the hearts and the homes of the Belmont Cragin community.
