Building Destroyed In Wind Swept North Side Fire
Updated 10/27/10 6:50 p.m.
CHICAGO (CBS) -- High winds on Wednesday spread a fire in Lincoln Park to three buildings, causing problems for firefighters working to extinguish the extra-alarm blaze.
The fire was first reported at 1711 W. Altgeld St. about 2:30 p.m., Fire Media Affairs spokesman Richard Rosado said. It was later elevated to a 2-11 alarm fire and then again to a 3-11 alarm fire by 3 p.m.
Fire Department spokesman Quention Curtis said heavy winds hampered firefighting efforts and spread embers from that building to two neighboring buildings.
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CBS 2's Dana Kozlov reports that firefighters credited a quick response with preventing the fire from spreading even more in the high winds.
"With the high winds, you've got the extension of fire to both buildings, you've got wires coming down, you've got pieces of shingles and roof flying off, so it is a dangerous condition," Fire Commissioner Bob Hoff said.
The fire originated on the top floor in the rear of a 1 1/2-story frame house at 1711 W. Altgeld St.
Embers spread to two neighboring buildings, but firefighters were able to get those fires under control within about 45 minutes.
The main fire building was vacant, but for sale, and was destroyed in the fire. Hoff said the building to the south sustained moderate water, fire and smoke damage that could be repaired, while the third building sustained less damage.
In all, it took about 140 firefighters to help battle the blaze.
One firefighter suffered a twisted ankle while fighting the fire, but no civilians were hurt, according to Hoff.
The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.
