According to a report from ABC7, Chicago (IL) Fire Department (CFD) Firefighter Jermaine Pelt died in a multialarm fire that struck a home in the city’s West Pullman neighborhood early Tuesday morning. Two other CFD firefighters were also injured in the incident.
The fire broke out near 120th and Wallace Streets after 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday, with multiple buildings involved in the fire.
The two CFD members who were transported were also suffering serious injuries.
Purple bunting is now up Pelt’s firehouse and the flag is also now at half-staff. The 18-year CFD member was a father of two who had celebrated his 49th birthday last month.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration notice, on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, the Chicago Fire Department responded to a residential fire at 120th and Wallace Street. During the fire attack, at approximately 4:00 a.m., a Mayday was called. Firefighter/EMT Jermaine A. Pelt was located by his hoseline at about 4:10 a.m. He was immediately transported to the hospital where he passed away a short time later.
Two other firefighters were also injured and are listed in stable condition. The fire is believed to have started in the attic of the home, which spread to its two neighboring buildings. The cause of death for Firefighter/EMT Pelt has yet to be determined.
The fire started in the home and spread quickly to the adjacent structures. Pelt was spraying water on the home’s interior when conditions worsened, and he and his crew were forced to leave.
When Pelt’s lieutenant did not see him come out, he knew something was wrong.
Pelt’s father spoke publicly a few hours after the announcement.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued a statement on Twitter saying, “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jermaine Pelt, an 18-year veteran of the CFD, who died early this morning in the line of duty. My heartfelt sympathies are w/ his family, fellow CFD colleagues, & his brothers & sisters of Engine 75 following this tragic incident.
