Officials said six people were rescued from an extra alarm fire Wednesday morning that broke out at a large apartment building in the Austin neighborhood.

Firefighters were called shortly before 2 a.m. to a building located at 5520 W. North Avenue and officials said the building was totally involved within 10 minutes of their arrival. Within minutes, an extra-alarm was called at the scene.

According to Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford, eight ladders were used to rescue people from the structure and at least six individuals were rescued from windows. Three are reported in grave condition and three are in critical condition, Langford said.

As of Wednesday morning, ATF officials were on the scene investigating as a possible arson. Firefighters also were on the scene searching for missing residents.

Langford said the fire appears to have started at a rear stairwell.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/26/fire-austin-apartment-building/