A large house fire on Chicago’s South Side tore through a home Friday evening, destroying decades of irreplaceable memories, although the family inside managed to escape without injury.
Chicago Fire Department (CFD) officials reported that firefighters battled the heavy blaze in the 8200 block of South Lafayette Avenue. At its peak, large flames were seen shooting through the roof of the residence.
The homeowner, Yvonne Jones, described a terrifying escape. “I ran to the back of the house, and my bedroom was just filled with smoke,” Jones said. “I couldn’t see where it was coming from… I just grabbed the children and ran out of the house.”
While Ms. Jones and her family are safe, she confirmed the loss of countless personal items. “I lost decades of photos, keepsakes, and mementos,” she stated.
During the response, the CFD issued a “mayday” call after one firefighter was temporarily separated from his crew. Fortunately, all CFD members were quickly accounted for and reported safe.
The fire was brought under control and extinguished before 7 p.m. No injuries to civilians or firefighters have been reported.
Ms. Jones and her family are currently staying with relatives. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Watch the video below.
