A fire erupted on Friday afternoon in the vicinity of O’Hare Airport, sending thick plumes of smoke high into the sky over Chicago.

Approximately 100 firefighters from Chicago were dispatched to the scene to extinguish the blaze.

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The city’s fire department responded to the incident around 2:15 p.m. at a cluster of townhomes located in the 8600 block of West Foster Avenue, near Delphia Avenue and in close proximity to Dirksen Elementary School, according to officials.

Officials reported that the fire initially ignited in a corner unit, spreading rapidly from a wall to the ceiling and eventually reaching the roof, which then collapsed.

Firefighters were observed actively combating the flames as they tore through the roof of the residential structure.

The multi-unit building was evacuated, CFD officials said.

Authorities say one firefighter was injured after slipping and falling.

While the cause remains under investigation, the fire department offered a warning to residents.

“If you use a space heater just make sure that you plug them up into the wall,” CFD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Donald Walker said. “If you have a Christmas tree, make sure you water them so they won’t dry out and unplug and cut off your space heater when you go to bed.”

ABC7 was told the majority of the building was saved. Five units on the top floors did sustain heavy damage and some units in the lower levels are dealing with smoke and water damage.

Thankfully, everyone was safely evacuated from the building and were being assisted at a nearby school.