Chicago, IL – May 7, 2025 — An early morning fire on Wednesday brought tense moments for residents in Chicago’s East Garfield Park neighborhood after flames broke out on the rear porches of a residential building in the 600 block of North Saint Louis Avenue, eventually spreading to a neighboring apartment complex. Thanks to the swift actions of the Chicago Fire Department, the blaze was brought under control before causing any injuries, though several residents were displaced as a result of the damage.
According to fire officials, the fire ignited around 5:30 a.m. on the rear porches of a multi-unit residential structure. The flames, fanned by light winds, quickly climbed through the building’s back stairwell and began to extend to an adjacent apartment building. Neighbors described waking up to the smell of smoke and the crackling of wood as firefighters arrived on scene within minutes.
“We could see the smoke pouring from the back, and we ran out with just what we had on,” said Jerome Collins, a resident from the second building affected. “We’re thankful everyone made it out, but it was terrifying.”
Firefighters worked rapidly to contain the blaze, deploying multiple hose lines and cutting off fire travel between the two structures. By around 6:15 a.m., the flames were extinguished, and crews were conducting a thorough search of both buildings to ensure no one was trapped or injured.
In a statement, CFD officials confirmed that no injuries were reported, and all residents were accounted for. However, several families from both buildings have been displaced due to fire, smoke, and water damage. The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and the Red Cross have stepped in to provide temporary housing and support services to those affected.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Early signs point to an accidental origin, possibly linked to faulty wiring or a discarded cigarette, though fire investigators will conduct a full analysis before releasing official findings.
City officials commended the fire crews for their quick response and urged residents to check their smoke detectors and review fire safety plans, especially in older residential buildings like those in East Garfield Park.
“This could have been much worse,” said Alderman Jason Ervin of the 28th Ward. “We’re relieved that no lives were lost, but we also recognize that many of our neighbors are waking up today without homes. We’ll be working closely with community partners to make sure they get the help they need.”
As the neighborhood wakes up to the reality of fire damage, community organizations and local churches have begun organizing donation drives and offering support to displaced families. Residents are encouraged to contribute clothing, toiletries, and other essentials to aid those temporarily without homes.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fire can spread, especially in densely populated urban areas with older wooden structures. As Chicago continues its efforts to modernize its housing infrastructure, fire safety remains a top priority for both city officials and the community.
Authorities are expected to release more information in the coming days as the investigation progresses and damage assessments are completed. In the meantime, affected residents are being supported with emergency shelter, food, and basic necessities as they begin the long process of recovery.