Crime & Safety
Commercial Avenue Apartment Fire Displaces 37 People
More than 3 dozen people were displaced from their homes Thursday after a fire broke out through their Commercial Avenue apartment complex.
SOUTH CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — Three dozen people are without homes after a fire broke out in an apartment complex on Commercial Avenue Thursday.
South Chicago Heights Fire Chief Chad Vlieststra said that the fire broke out on the second story of the 24-unit apartment complex just before 6:30 p.m. and quickly escalated through the plumbing walls and open joist spaces because of the windy conditions.
Authorities believe the fire started with a faulty exhaust fan on the first floor. They said it likely was an accident. The building is inhabitable. No one was injured.
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About 37 people were taken to the village hall, which served as a warming center and staging area for the American Red Cross. Volunteers were helping the residents seek shelter.
Firefighters from 20 nearby departments and fire-protection districts assisted with the call.
Find out what's happening in Chicago Heightsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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