The fire broke out in the 5000 block South Campbell Avenue in Gage Park, Chicago fire officials said.
Chicago police later said a 56-year-old man started a fire inside of a residence and it spread to two other buildings.
The arson suspect died as a result of the fire, police said.
There was a large response as firefighters battled the flames.
"Heavy fire, heavy fire in that first building heavy fire in the rear of that building. It communicated to the other buildings quickly," CFD District Commander Douglas Crowley said. "It was an all hands-on deck moment for us we needed everybody we needed everyone moving fast and aggressive."
No further information about the fire was immediately available.