Firefighters battle extra-alarm blaze in Chatham apartment building

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Chicago firefighters responded to a large fire on Tuesday afternoon in an apartment building in the Chatham neighborhood. Heavy flames and smoke could be seen coming from the third floor and roof of the building at the corner of 79th Street and Calumet Avenue around 5 p.m. Firefighters have ventilated the roof and called in a 2-11 alarm to bring in extra crews to battle the blaze.

Why it matters

Apartment fires can pose a serious threat to public safety, especially in densely populated urban areas like Chicago's Chatham neighborhood. The response of the fire department and their ability to quickly contain and extinguish the flames is critical to preventing further damage and potential loss of life.

The details

At least one apartment appeared to be fully engulfed in flames, and crews could be seen using at least two hose lines to try to extinguish the fire from the street level. A 2-11 alarm sends at least eight engines, four trucks, two tower ladders, five battalion chiefs, a district chief, a deputy district chief, a squad company, an ambulance, and the Command Van to the scene, with around 100 firefighters responding.

• The fire was reported around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

What’s next

The fire department will continue to investigate the cause of the blaze and assess any damage or injuries resulting from the incident.