7 Firefighters Injured While Responding To Large Fire In Bridgeport
CHICAGO (CBS)-- Seven firefighters were injured while battling a large fire in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood.
Chicago Fire Department District Chief Steven Clay said the fire started around 6:50 a.m. at a two-story coach house in the 2700 block of South Lowe Avenue.
Clay said firefighters battling the flames sent out a mayday call after a "flashover" occurred inside the home.
"A flashover is when all the content in the structure catches fire all at once. Everything burns," Clay said. "These firemen all scrambled, they were all able to be rescued."
Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford said seven firefighters were taken to the hospital with injuries, including minor burns, one laceration, and a "slight orthopedic injury."
"They're doing fine now," Clay said.
One of the seven hospitalized firefighters was hurt after jumping from the roof of the burning home to the building next door. Officials said he was cutting holes in the roof of the burning home in an effort to allow heat to escape and better attack the flames, when the fire suddenly accelerated its burn.
Friday afternoon, Mayor Lori Lightfoot tweeted "this fire is a reminder of the risk our heroic first responders face each and every day to keep their fellow Chicagoans safe."
"To those who wake up every morning and answer the call of protecting our communities, no matter the danger, your city is immensely grateful to you for your service and bravery," she added.
A 77-year-old man and his four dogs who live in the home were able to escape the fire uninjured.
"He's okay. His dogs got him up. He ran out," said Eva Mossman, a family friend. "Main thing is he's fine, the dogs are fine. You can always rebuild the home."
Firefighters believe the fire started in the basement.
CFD said the building is in the process of being demolished.
