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2 Squatters Rescued From West Side Fire

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Firefighters had to pull out two squatters from a vacant West Side building that caught fire early Friday.

Crews responded to the still-and-box alarm around 6:30 a.m. at 4322 W. Jackson Blvd., and rescued two people from the second floor, Fire Media Affairs Chief Joe Roccasalva said.

Neighbors said squatters often stayed in the building, so firefighters searched the structure and found two people trapped inside on the second floor.

Firefighters rescued both squatters, neither of whom was hurt.

Police believe the fire last week at the vacant Banner Laundromat and Dry Cleaners, 1744 E. 75th St., was set by squatters inside the building. Firefighters Edward Stringer and Corey Ankum were killed when a wall crashed down on them as they searched the building for squatters.

The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.

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