‘Flashover’ during Roseland blaze blew firefighters to ground, 7 injured: officials

Seven Chicago firefighters were hurt while responding to a large blaze Saturday afternoon in Roseland on the Far South Side.

None of the injuries were believed to be life-threatening, but some firefighters suffered burns and others were hospitalized with orthopedic injuries, Chicago Fire Department Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said Saturday night.

The fire broke out about 3:15 p.m. inside a home near 112th Street and Princeton Avenue, fire officials said.

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While fighting the fire, officials said they believe a “flashover” event occurred, which happens when a fire rapidly develops to ignite all combustible materials in a room, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

A flashover can occur when a new source of oxygen reignites flames, according to CFD officials, and can cause temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Four firefighters were on the porch of the home when the possible flashover took place and were blown to the ground, officials said. Three other firefighters were inside the home but were able to make their way out after the event.

Four of the injured members were taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and three to Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park for treatment and observation Nance-Holt said.

Six of the seven firefighters are expected to be released Saturday night and some will be ready to return to work immediately, officials said.

One firefighter who was treated for burns at Christ Medical Center could be transferred to Loyola University Medical Center as a precautionary measure, according to Nance-Holt.

“Every day our firefighters and paramedics ... get up and they go to work, not knowing if they’ll come back home, and they put everything on the line to make all of us safer,” Nance-Holt said.

Fire officials are still working to determine the cause of the blaze.