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A tragic incident unfolded in Chicago when a firefighter lost his life after accidentally falling into a basement while tackling a blaze on the city’s North Side, according to information from Chicago fire officials.
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The fire broke out around 11:30 a.m. on Monday in the 1700 block of West North Shore Avenue located in Rogers Park, as reported by the Chicago Fire Department (CFD).
The firefighter was identified as Michael Altman, a Chicago Fire Department Emergency Medical Technician, by Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt.
At 32 years old, Altman had dedicated nearly two years to the department and was stationed with truck #47 in the Edgewater area.
Remarkably, Altman was part of a long lineage of service, being a fourth-generation firefighter.
“We will never forget his courage and sacrifice,” Chicago Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also spoke at press briefing at Stroger Hospital.
An American flag was seen outside the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office as the body of the fallen firefighter was set to be moved just after 1 p.m.
Chicago emergency crews have been seen gathering at the hospital.
Chicago fire said seven people who live in the building were displaced, but they were all able to get out. No one inside was hurt aside from the firefighter.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but fire crews do believe the fire originated somewhere in the back of the building.
This is a breaking news story; check back for updates.
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