6 people injured in apartment fire on Chicago's West Side
CHICAGO (CBS) — Six people were injured in an apartment fire in West Humboldt Park early Friday morning.
Chicago fire officials said the fire broke out around 2 a.m. inside a two-story multi-unit building in the 4300 block of West Thomas.
"Our seniors are vulnerable, and they need support. And so, I had to be here in order to offer that support."
Alderwoman Emma Mitts (37th) said that's why she came out when she first heard about the fire—to see the damage for herself and figure out exactly how to help the victims.
Firefighters quickly rescued four men inside the building and treated them on the scene. Two women were later found and taken to a local hospital.
The victims, in their 70s, suffered smoke inhalation. One of the women treated was in serious condition.
"Our company found heavy fire in the basement," Deputy Chief Ernie Pinkston said. "It doesn't appear to be any fire spread to the upper floors, but again, we have our office of fire on the scene that's doing the investigation to give a final determination."
Ald. Mitts said the tenants inside the building are part of the Section 8 housing program.
"One thing I found out since I've been here, since none of the family are here, is all the tenants are Section 8 tenants. And now I need to call Section 8 because the owner is here, and he has farmer's insurance, but that will take care of the building, but we gotta find somewhere for the seniors now until the building is repaired," Mitts said.
There were no displacements from the fire. The first and second floors were not affected but the windows had broken to get the smoke out.
Investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing.