An Edgewater fire recently engulfed a historic three-story building, provoking a large rescue and firefighting response.
Explosions Reported
The Edgewater fire took place at approximately 1:00 p.m. on March 15, 2022. At that time, heavy flames and smoke could be seen rising from the roof of a three-story building at 1054 W. Hollywood Ave. in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood, west of the north end of DuSable Lake Shore Drive and east of the Red and Purple Line tracks. Explosions and hurling debris were also noted at the scene.
Firefighters arrived shortly afterward and began battling the Edgewater fire from the ground and the roof, which they reached by ladder. According to the Chicago Fire Department, the fire was contained to the roof and the top floor. Fire crews extinguished the blaze before 2:00 p.m., though they remained throughout the day to combat flames still rising from the roof of the building.
Cause of Edgewater Fire Not Apparent
No injuries were initially reported in the Edgewater fire, though at least one woman and a dog were seen fleeing from the building, which is known as the Stickney School.
The Stickney School, which is in Chicago’s historical survey, was constructed in 1903 to house a private school for the Edgewater community. It has since been remodeled into a six-condominium building.
The cause of the Edgewater fire was not immediately apparent. It is also unknown whether any residents have since retained personal injury attorneys.
Structural Fires Common in the United States
Building fires frequently occur in the United States, with more than one million fires each year across the country. In 2019 alone, there were 1,291,500 fires domestically, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
These fires are often deadly. That same year, FEMA found that 3,704 people died in American fires – an average of more than ten fatalities per day. Even non-fatal fires can inflict devastating injuries and disfigurement.
Have You Been Injured in a Negligent Fire?
The causes of these fires vary, though sometimes they are the result of negligence. When this is the case, the victims may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault party. If you have been injured in a negligent fire, increase your chances of a successful outcome by retaining the burn injury attorneys at GWC Injury Lawyers LLC.
With more than $2 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements, GWC is one of the leading Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation law firms in Illinois. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys have the experience, the determination, the resources, and the reputation of success you need to help get you and your family the justice you deserve.
Contact GWC today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with a personal injury attorney. You may call our office at (312) 464-1234 or click here to chat with one of our representatives at any time.
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