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CHICAGO, Cook County, Ill., Sept. 28, 2026 — Two people were hospitalized for smoke inhalation on Sunday morning, September 27, after a fire broke out at an apartment building in the North Lawndale neighborhood. Nine residents were displaced.
The Chicago Fire Department said crews were called to a residential building in the 2200 block of South Keeler Avenue at about 5:30 a.m. The fire was put out by about 6:13 a.m., fire officials said.
A 71-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man were taken to separate hospitals, Stroger Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital, for smoke inhalation, Chicago Police said. The woman was reportedly listed in critical condition. The man was said to be in good condition.
No other injuries were reported, but nine people who lived in the building were displaced by the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
When Apartment Fires Are Most Likely to Turn Deadly
Fires in residential buildings tend to cluster in the early morning hours, when most residents are asleep and slower to notice smoke or heat. A fire that starts before dawn, as this one reportedly did, can spread through hallways and stairwells before anyone wakes up, cutting off the time people have to get out safely.
Cold-weather months also see a rise in structure fires tied to space heaters, overloaded outlets, and cooking equipment left unattended. Multi-unit buildings add another layer of risk because smoke and heat can travel between units through shared walls, vents, and stairways, putting neighbors who did nothing wrong in danger.
Working smoke alarms remain the biggest factor in whether people wake up in time. Fire investigators routinely note that buildings with alarms in every unit, not just common areas, see faster evacuations and fewer serious injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after an apartment fire?
Get outside to a safe distance, call 911 if you haven't already, and avoid going back inside for belongings. Let fire crews confirm the building is safe before re-entering.
Where do apartment fires most often start?
Kitchens, electrical systems, and heating equipment are common sources of issues, especially in older multi-unit buildings.
What injuries are most common in fires like this one?
Smoke inhalation is the most frequent injury, along with burns. Even brief exposure to smoke can cause lasting lung damage, so anyone involved should be evaluated by a doctor even if they feel fine.
What to Do After an Apartment Fire in Chicago, IL
If you're displaced by a fire, reach out to the American Red Cross or the city's Office of Emergency Management for temporary shelter and help replacing essentials. Keep a record of what was lost and photograph any damage once it's safe to do so.
Anyone who inhaled smoke should get checked out promptly, even without visible injury, since symptoms can worsen hours later. Follow up with your building management or landlord about next steps, and keep any paperwork from the fire department or police for your records.
