Overnight Fire Engulfs Two SW Side Buildings

No injuries reported after firefighters battle intense blaze

An extra-alarm fire that raged through two buildings on the Southwest Side was extinguished Tuesday morning with no injuries.

Though searches were still under way at 3:15 a.m., the 2-11 alarm for the fire in two buildings -- one on the corner of West 35th Street and South California Ave and the other at 3502 S. Califroinia Ave. -- was canceled at 3:06 a.m., according to Fire Media Affairs Chief Kevin MacGregor.

Firefighters had to battle the blaze from the outside of both two-story wooden buildings because the fire was so heavy. As of 2:15 a.m., three aerial hoses and several others from the ground were being used to douse the flames, the chief said.

All residents were able to get out on their own and there were no rescues made. No injuries have been reported, according to MacGregor.

A still-and-box alarm was initiated about 1 a.m. and it was raised to an extra alarm at 1:15 a.m. MacGregor said.

Although final searches of the buildings are still under way, crews feel confident that all residents have been accounted for.

An initial search on the second floor of one of the buildings couldn’t be completed because the fire was so intense.

“There was too much fire on the building," according to MacGregor, who said
It was not known which building began burning first.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known, MacGregor said

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