Three firefighters were injured while battling a house fire this morning in southwest suburban Oak Lawn.
Two of them remain hospitalized this afternoon at Advocate Christ Medical Center, and a third who suffered a "nickle-sized'' burn on his face was treated on the scene, said Oak Lawn Fire Chief George Sheets.
A mayday was called when one of them, a veteran firefighter, briefly became separated from the hose line and fire group, said Sheets.
“His air was getting low and he became disoriented,’’ Sheets said.
The mayday brought to mind the recent passing of Chicago Fire Capt. Herbie Johnson who was killed during a South Side fire Friday night.
“That is all on your mind but in this situation he was quickly found was able to be removed from the house very quickly,'' Sheets said.
“I’ve been a firefighter for 31 years and a chief for over 18 and when you hear a mayday it certainly adds a little anxiety to the situation,’’ said Sheets.
That firefighter remains at the hospital this afternoon but he is expected to be released.
The third firefighter, who also remains hospitalized this afternoon at Christ, was injured when a something fell on his neck, according to the chief, who added that none of the injuries is life-threatening.
Authorities believe the fire started about 8:50 a.m. in the basement of the home in the 4900 block of West 99th Street, said Oak Lawn Police Division Chief Michael Kaufmann.
One occupant was able to escape and was out of the house by the time police arrived, according to Kaufmann.
Village Manager Larry Deetjen said the building was "well engulfed" in flames when firefighters got there and searched the building. When they found no one inside, they extinguished the fire but the firemen were injured in the process.
The resident, who had been smoking prior to the start of the fire, tried to put it out himself.“This is what we believe,’’ Sheets said. “The fire had a head start on us.’’
The resident was treated on the scene for smoke inhalation, but declined to be taken to a hospital, the chief said.
Careless use of smoking materials is listed in preliminary reports as the cause of the fire, Sheets said.
The home was rendered unlivable and sustained "extensive" damage, said Deetjen.The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army will be assisting, Deetjen said.
The cause of the blaze is under investigation.Police and fire department investigators remained on the scene and 99th Street was closed down in both directions from Cicero to 51st avenues, said Kaufmann.
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Three firefighters hurt fighting Oak Lawn blaze
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Three firefighters hurt fighting Oak Lawn blaze
