8 rescued from Norridge fire

NORRIDGE, Ill. (WLS) -- Nearly a dozen suburban fire departments fought a two-alarm house fire in Norridge early Wednesday.

The fire broke out around 5 a.m. in the 7900-block of West Gunnison east of Canfield. Witnesses on the scene reported multiple people were injured.

There were eight people in the house when firefighters arrived, unable to get out safely on their own.

"They were all trapped. They were screaming for help when we showed up. And as quick as we could, within a minute of us showing up, we had a few ground ladders thrown. And we were carrying people down the ladders to safety," said Norwood Park Fire Commander David Blondell.

Tammy Le says her family members were taken to two area hospitals, and everyone is expected to be OK.

"My uncle went to save my cousins, his children, and my aunt. They were out first. And then he went back upstairs to help my grandparents," said Le.

Two police officers were hurt helping the family get out safely. Rescuers worked swiftly to put out the fire, but then their efforts stalled.

"For the first half-hour, we were able to get water for a minute," Blondell said, but water main breaks hampered the efforts.