81-Year-Old Woman Dies After Avalon Park House Fire
CHICAGO (CBS)-- An 81-year-old died after a house fire in the Avalon Park neighborhood Tuesday.
The flames started just before 2 a.m. in the 8200 block of Cornell Avenue.
The Chicago Fire Department said they encountered a frozen hydrant and escalated the alarm, but the frozen hydrant did not hinder the response to the fire.
Firefighters took the woman out of the house with severe burns. She was found only a few feet from the exit, and officials said no smoke detectors were found in the house.
The victim was taken University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, and later was pronounced dead.
Update on Cornell fatal fire. CFD OFI has determined the most probable cause of this fire was a wiring problem and it will be classified as accidental. Please remember to check smoke detectors. They do save lives! 7 pic.twitter.com/13064RD4BR
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) January 25, 2022
The Fire Department said the fire started in the basement, and the probable cause of the fire was a wiring problem, and the fire will be deemed accidental.
The home did not have any smoke detectors, according to the Fire Department.
Firefighters spent Tuesday morning passing out free smoke detectors to neighbors who needed them.
8215 Cornell preliminary report indicates fire may have started in basement. No smoke detectors found. Victim found only a few feet from exit. Smoke alarm could have provided enough warning to allow safe escape. Are yours working? pic.twitter.com/t77BZDPNqZ
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) January 25, 2022