A Friday morning fire in the 1400 block of Cuyler may have made up to ten people homeless, according to reports in the Chicago Sun-Times. The fire department responded to the fire about 4:45 AM, according to early reports. Police closed some streets in the area of Cuyler and Southport in the early hours, but reopened before most of the morning rush.

Fire in 1400 block of Cuyler. Credit: Patrick Boylan

The Sun-Times reports that the fire is being blamed on a faulty furnace or hot water heater although the cause of the fire was under investigation.

Another fire Friday night effected even more people, as it damaged apartments in the 4400-4412 N Ashland Ave 36 unit apartment building, according to the Sun-Times. The extra alarm file injured two fire fighters, according to the Chicago Tribune. Fire and gas was turned off to the units after units responded about 6:04 PM. Between 36 and 50 people are reported to be effected by the fire which the Tribune reports was started by a candle lit for religious reasons.

Fire at courtyard building at 4400 N Ashland Avenue. Credit: Patrick Boylan

The fire spread to a coach before being noticed by residents. They fanned the flames, then, on evacuating the first floor apartment, left the doors open, allowing the fire to spread faster. It eventually spread to the second and third floors of the building before being contained.

Witnesses said four fire trucks, two ambulances, ten police cars and a special unit, apparently a canine unit, responded to the fire.

Tags: Fire