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Chicago, IL (June 11, 2026) – Four people were injured, and 14 residents were displaced after a large fire spread through multiple homes in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood early on Thursday morning. The fire broke out on Laflin St near 45th St and extended from the original structure to two neighboring buildings.
Emergency units arrived and worked to contain the flames, bringing the fire under control around 6:45 a.m. The fire spread to three buildings before crews were able to stop its progression.
Two civilians and two firefighters were taken to hospitals with minor injuries. A total of 14 residents were displaced by the fire. Officials reported that part of the original building collapsed, making it difficult to reach the remaining hot spots.
Fire crews were expected to remain at the property for several hours due to ongoing overhaul operations and difficult-to-access areas within the damaged structure.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. We are thinking of those injured and the residents displaced by the fire as they recover from this difficult experience.
Why Multi-Building Fires Can Be Difficult to Contain
Fires that spread from one structure to neighboring buildings can become significantly more complex than single-building fires. Closely spaced homes, shared exterior walls, and combustible materials can allow flames and heat to move rapidly from one property to another.
Even after visible flames are extinguished, hidden hot spots can remain inside walls, attics, and collapsed sections of a building. These areas often require extensive inspection and continued suppression efforts to prevent rekindling.
Building collapses can further complicate operations by limiting access to affected areas and creating additional safety concerns. Investigators typically examine burn patterns, structural damage, and the fire’s point of origin to determine how the fire started and how it spread between buildings.
