Chicago fire rips through Pilsen home, causing it to collapse; 2 other buildings damaged, CFD says

ByLiz Nagy and ABC7 Chicago Digital Team WLS logo
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Massive fire tears through Pilsen buildings, home collapses
Chicago fire fighters responded to a large house fire that has spread to a other buildings in Pilsen on West 16th Street Wednesday night.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Emergency crews responded to a large house fire that spread to a second building in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood Wednesday night.

The Chicago Fire Department tweeted they were responding to a fire in the 1300-block of West 16th Street around 8:15 p.m.

The fire started in a home that was under renovation. Shortly after it spread to two neighboring buildings, both of which sustained some damage. Fire officials said the house where the fire originated collapsed.

No injuries were immediately reported, and firefighters said they were able to get everyone in those neighboring homes out safely.

The owner of the home said when the fire broke out, his contractor had been in the process of fireproofing the home, which is required to pass city inspection.

He said he had hoped to be able to make a home at the corner of 16th and Loomis, but it looked unlikely now.

The fire was struck out by about 9:45 p.m. but firefighters remained on scene to watch for and extinguish hotspots.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.