More than 200 Chicago firefighters are responding and at least one person was critically injured after a four-story residential building in the city's Hyde Park neighborhood became engulfed in flames early Tuesday, authorities said.
"Right now, this fire is still not under control," the Chicago Fire Department said during a 7 a.m. press conference. "We are in defensive mode. We're pouring in copious amounts of water to try and gain control of it."
According to officials, at approximately 3:30 a.m., a fire broke out inside a four-story residential complex at 5130 South Kenwood Ave. Video and photos from the scene show flames and heavy smoke coming out of one of the building's units, with firefighters attempting to battle the blaze with multiple lines.
According to authorities, one adult female victim was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
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The fire, originally a two-alarm, was upgraded to a three-alarm fire around 5:30 a.m. due to the intensity of the blaze, officials say. According to authorities, more approximately 250 firefighters have responded, with 90 pieces of equipment.
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During the press conference, officials noted that a "heavy fire load" -- otherwise known as hoarding conditions -- on the building's second floor unit have made gaining access to certain parts of the building "very difficult."
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and a determination has not yet been made as to whether the building is safe for reentry, officials said.
According to fire officials, at least eight people have been displaced.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
