West Garfield Park house fire investigated as arson

CHICAGO (WLS) -- An arson investigation is underway on Chicago's West Side after a home went up in flames.

Firefighters responded to a two-story building in the 4100-block of West Maypole Avenue in the city's West Garfield Park neighborhood around 1:50 a.m. Wednesday.

Police said a man inside the home told investigators he saw someone throw something inside of his apartment before it caught fire.

Crystal Reed was inside the home with her family when the fire started.

"I have no idea what happened. I just woke up to a fire. My family, they made it out pretty good," Reed said.

Reed and her niece were able to go back inside and gather some belongings after firefighters extinguished the flames. She said she is glad everyone made it out alive and no one was hurt.

The first floor and garden apartments were heavily damaged. Three adults and nine children, ages 8 to 15, were displaced. The Red Cross is helping them find somewhere to stay.

The Chicago Police Bomb and Arson Unit is investigating.

Investigators said it is unclear whether anyone inside the home was targeted. No one is in custody.