Man found dead in Fernwood blaze; firefighter hurt after falling through floor

Arson investigators have been called to the scene of a fire Thursday morning in Fernwood, where a man was found dead and a firefighter was injured trying to save him, authorities said.

Fire crews responded about 5:45 a.m. to a burning home in the 400 block of West 104th Street, according to the Chicago Fire Department.

James Dyer, 68, was found dead on the second floor, where the fire began, according to CFD spokesman Larry Langford.

An autopsy ruled his death a homicide, saying he was “struck with a blunt object and involved in fire,” according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

A firefighter who fell through a floor was taken to Christ Medical Center for evaluation, according to Chicago police.

“The floor was compromised and he appears to be OK,” according to Langford, who said the firefighter has “bumps and bruises.”

Arson investigators were called to the scene, according to police.

This is a developing story.