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Four Firefighters Hospitalized After Back of the Yards Blaze

An official investigation is under way into the vacant residential structure where three firefighters were reported in critical condition.

Overview

  • Fire crews responded to a blaze on the 5400 block of South Justine Street in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood that was reported around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday.
  • Video from the scene showed a ladder extended to the roof and smoke rising as crews fought the fire in a vacant residential building.
  • Four firefighters were taken to local hospitals with three reported in serious to critical condition and one in good condition.
  • Early reports disagree on the building type, with some accounts calling it a two-flat and others a three-flat, and officials have not released a confirmed classification or cause.
  • Investigators and the Chicago Fire Department continue to examine the scene and may provide updates on causes and the firefighters’ conditions as the inquiry develops.