1 firefighter dead, 2 injured after fire spreads to multiple houses in West Pullman
CHICAGO (CBS) -- One firefighter died and two were injured after a fire spread to multiple houses in Chicago's West Pullman neighborhood.
As CBS 2's Tara Molina reported, the fire broke out in a frame house at 12017 S. Wallace St. just before 3:40 a.m. Tuesday. Flames spread south to the house 12019 S. Wallace St., and also north to the house at 12015 S. Wallace St. -- though the latter house only sustained minor exterior damage.
Massive flames and billowing smoke were seen shooting into the sky.
Firefighter Jermaine Pelt, 49, was in the house at 12019 S. Wallace St. to which the flames had spread – manning a hose line. Fire officials said conditions worsened, and all firefighters were ordered out of the building.
But they say Pelt "went down" just as the order was issued. His lieutenant quickly found him near the hose line.
"When they pulled the line out, he wasn't there - and they pulled him out," said Chicago Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt.
Pelt was taken to the hospital in critical condition and later died.
The Chicago Fire Dept. has lost a firefighter today. FF Jermaine Pelt, 49, assigned to Engine 75, lost his life in the line of duty while fighting an extra alarm fire at 12015-12019 S. Wallace. Remember him & keep the CFD in your thoughts & prayers today. https://t.co/vhbRxCcLib pic.twitter.com/ytjUPjFPdG
— Kris Habermehl (@KrisHabermehl) April 4, 2023
Pelt has been with his fire station since 2005. He recently celebrated his 49th birthday and walked his daughter down the aisle at her wedding.
Pelt also has a 6-year-old child.
"They respond to these calls not knowing if they will come home," Nance-Holt saaid. "We ask for prayers."
Commissioner Nance-Holt was emotional as she spoke out Tuesday. She knew and worked with Pelt.
"We are still investigating this tragedy, but we can tell you there was no explosion and he was not trapped in this fire," Nance-Holt said.
A procession honoring the fallen firefighter arrived at the Medical Examiner's office. A flag was hoisted between two Chicago fire trucks, honoring the fallen firefighter. It started at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead.
Two other firefighters were injured, but in good condition. Another went missing and has since been located.
CBS 2's Molina confirmed with the Chicago Department of Buildings there is no history of issues or violations at the three houses involved in the fire.
The fire is still under investigation. The Fire Department remained at the scene Tuesday afternoon.