4 Firefighters Hurt in Attic Fire - Chicago

More firefighters hurt in Chicago. It is quite a dangerous job. Be safe out there, we're thankful for what you do!

4 firefighters hurt in attic fire: 'Things went bad. They called mayday'

An injured firefighter is rushed to a waiting ambulance as Chicago firefighters battle a house fire in the 7000 block of South Justine Street. (Eric Clark, for the Chicago Tribune / August 25, 2011)

Staff report

8:12 a.m. CDT, August 26, 2011

Four firefighters were injured when an attic fire "lit up" as they worked to ventilate the roof of a burning West Englewood home, fire officials said.
"Things went bad," said Fire Commissioner Robert Hoff. "They were attacking the fire. They were moving in on the fire."
Hoff said other firefighters quickly moved in to rescue them. "They called mayday. As soon as they called for help, they were both removed outside.”
The fire broke out shortly before 7 p.m. at a 1½-story frame house on the 7000 block of South Justine Street, officials said.

Two of the injured firefighters suffered burns to their hands and faces. One of them also suffered burns to his respiratory system and a breathing tube had to be inserted, officials said.

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