1 dead, 1 critical after Garfield Ridge fire

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago Fire Department officials say a 90-year-old man died and an 87-year-old woman is hospitalized in critical condition after a fire in the 5600-block of Mayfield Avenue.

Firefighters went through the house with flashlights, searching for any sign of what may have caused the fire sent thick black smoke pouring from the roof. Terry Valenti, 87, was returning home when she saw the fire and went next door for help.

Neighbor Kevin Rafferty says his Valenti then ran into the house where her 90-year-old husband Sam was apparently caught in the fire near the kitchen.

Rafferty says he does what he can to help his elderly neighbors with things around the house, but this time there was nothing he could do.