Fifteen people, including six firefighters and a police officer, were hurt during an extra-alarm fire at 6134 N. Kenmore Ave. in the Edgewater neighborhood on May 27, 2012. (Credit: CBS)
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CHICAGO (STMW) – Fifteen people – including six Chicago firefighters and a Chicago police officer – were injured during an extra-alarm fire in Edgewater.
WBBM Newsradio’s Nancy Harty reports most of those hospitalized suffered minor injuries from heat exhaustion.
The Chicago Fire Department credited neighbors and others with helping crews put out the fire and rescue residents from the burning apartment building at 6134 N. Kenmore Ave.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio’s Nancy Harty reports
The fire started around 11 a.m., and firefighters eventually called a 3-11 alarm, sending 12 fire engines, four fire trucks, and two tower ladder trucks to the scene. The fire was out shortly before noon.
Before firefighters had a chance to respond to the fire, neighbors, like Ernest and his friend Ariel, were helping rescue people inside.
They said they heard cries for help, and saw a man on the second floor holding his baby out the window, so they climbed onto a stone awning on the first floor to help get the family out.
Firefighters rescued 14 people using ladders, and the same amount walking down stairwells of the five-story brick building.
Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago said residents even helped pull heavy water hoses.
“We’re kind of spread out in that initial assault. Anyone that can help is a great deal, and for someone to take it upon themselves to help the firefighters, is awesome,” Santiago said.
The injured were taken to at least three different hospitals — Weiss Memorial Hospital, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, and St. Francis Hospital in Evanston.
Their specific conditions were not immediately available, but fire officials said all victims’ conditions had stabilized.
