Chicago firefighter dies battling blaze

A firefighter died Monday morning battling a blaze in Lincoln Park, according to the Chicago Fire Department.

The 39-year-old firefighter was trapped but eventually rescued after the fire broke out at 2430-2432 North Lincoln Avenue, according to fire officials. The four-floor building contains the Lincoln Station restaurant on the ground floor and apartments on the upper floors.

“He took a fall,” said fire spokesperson Larry Langford. “He fell through the building.”

The firefighter was transported to Illinois Masonic Hospital in critical condition, where he died, CFD said.

At 7:30 a.m., the restaurant’s windows were broken as about 50 firefighters stood outside, some disconnecting hoses. The ground outside the restaurant was still wet, and lights flashed from dozens of nearby fire trucks, police squad cars and ambulances.

Several people stood wearing pajamas and looking at the building, which is close to DePaul University’s Lincoln Park campus.

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