Woman dies in Galewood neighborhood fire: authorities

A woman died in a fire early Saturday in the Galewood neighborhood on the Northwest Side, according to the Chicago Fire Department.

About 3 a.m., fire crews responded to a fire at a single-story home at 2111 N. Merrimac Avenue, according to CFD spokesman Larry Merritt.

The 55-year-old woman died as paramedics were transporting her to a hospital, Merritt and Chicago Police said.

An autopsy Sunday afternoon found the woman died from exposure to carbon monoxide during the fire, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. Her death was ruled an accident.

She had not yet been identified.

A 55-year-old man and a police officer were also injured in the blaze.

The man was in critical condition from smoke inhalation and burns, Merritt said. He was taken to Community First Hospital.

The officer was injured while clearing out the building next door as the fire spread to it, police said. He was treated for minor burns at Resurrection Medical Center.

Eight people were displaced by the fire, police said.