Chicago, IL — A devastating fire tore through a Far North Side apartment complex early Thursday morning, leaving three people dead and three others hospitalized, including a young boy and a teenage girl. The blaze broke out before dawn, shattering the quiet of the neighborhood and prompting a massive emergency response from the Chicago Fire Department.

According to officials, firefighters were called to the multi-story residential building just after 2:00 a.m. Heavy smoke and flames were already visible upon arrival, with residents trapped on upper floors calling for help. Crews immediately began rescue operations, using ladders and thermal cameras to locate those inside while battling intense heat and thick smoke.

Within minutes, firefighters managed to pull several residents from the burning structure, but tragically, three lives could not be saved. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, pending notification of family members. The cause of death will be determined by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office following autopsies scheduled later this week.

Three other individuals were transported to nearby hospitals in serious condition, including a teenage girl and a young boy who suffered from smoke inhalation. Emergency responders provided life-saving measures at the scene before transferring them to medical care. Hospital officials say both children are expected to recover, though they remain under close observation.

Investigators from the Chicago Fire Department’s Office of Fire Investigation are working to determine the cause of the blaze. Preliminary reports suggest it may have started in a lower-level apartment before rapidly spreading upward through the building’s structure. Firefighters remained on scene for several hours to extinguish hot spots and ensure the area was safe for residents and investigators to return.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as flames consumed portions of the building. “I woke up to screaming and saw smoke everywhere,” one resident shared. “People were banging on doors trying to get everyone out. It was terrifying.” Many survivors stood outside wrapped in blankets as they watched their homes and belongings burn.

The Red Cross has stepped in to assist displaced families, providing temporary shelter, food, and emergency resources. Local community organizations have also launched donation drives to help victims who lost everything in the tragedy. City officials praised the swift and courageous response of firefighters who prevented the fire from spreading to nearby buildings.

As the investigation continues, residents have raised questions about fire alarms and safety equipment inside the complex. Some reported not hearing alarms go off, while others said they were woken only by the smell of smoke. City inspectors are expected to review the building’s fire safety compliance records as part of the inquiry.

Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed condolences to the families affected, calling the incident a “heartbreaking tragedy that underscores the importance of community resilience and safety awareness.” He commended first responders for their heroic efforts and pledged city support for the victims and their loved ones.

The Far North Side community now mourns the loss of three lives taken too soon. In the coming days, residents, friends, and neighbors will gather to honor those lost, while investigators work to uncover what caused this deadly blaze and ensure such a tragedy does not happen again.