CHICAGO — A Chicago firefighter is recovering after falling through a floor while battling a massive blaze that destroyed a West Side church and a neighboring building Sunday night.
The fire broke out at the intersection of North Lotus Avenue and West Huron Street in the Austin neighborhood.
According to the Chicago Fire Department (CFD), the flames were so intense that crews were forced into “defensive mode,” fighting the fire from the outside to avoid the collapsing structure.
During the battle, one firefighter fell through a floor inside one of the burning buildings.
Fortunately, he was able to escape and was rushed to Stroger Hospital.
Officials say he is expected to be okay. A civilian was also treated for minor injuries unrelated to the flames.
Firefighters faced more than just heat.
Bone-chilling temperatures caused a nearby fire hydrant to freeze, forcing officials to call in extra manpower to rotate crews out of the cold.
By late Sunday night, the fire was contained, but the damage was done.
At least two buildings are considered a total loss.
Investigators have not yet determined what started the fire.
