Fire at Chicago firefighter's home leaves child dead, family critically injured

CHICAGO - An on-duty Chicago firefighter rushed to a fire at his own home on the Far Northwest Side Tuesday night that killed his 7-year-old son and critically injured his wife and two daughters.

While he wasn’t on the crew that was sent to respond to the fire in the 2500 block of North Rutherford Avenue, the firefighter hurried to the scene – even performing CPR on his wife, according to fire officials.

At approximately 9:10 p.m. Tuesday, CFD crews responded to a house fire in the city’s Montclare neighborhood.

"I heard a pop, looked out my dining room window, and I see flames coming out of the kitchen window. Promptly called the fire department and they were here very quickly. They broke down the front door," said John Marlovitz, neighbor.

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Inside, officials said crews found the firefighter's wife and three young children suffering from smoke inhalation. 

The 34-year-old woman and the couple’s children – an 8-year-old girl, a 7-year-old boy and a 2-year-old girl – were taken to various hospitals in critical condition. His son, Ezra Stewart, was pronounced dead Wednesday afternoon.

"I went home and I told my wife about what was going on and we prayed for the family," said Carlos Gomez, neighbor.

Fire officials say the house had working smoke detectors.

Wednesday morning, crews boarded up the badly damaged home.

By the afternoon, a fellow firefighter dropped off flowers to offer his support.

Ignite the Spirit – a charity established by the Chicago Fire Department – and Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2 are working to raise funds for the family. Donations can be made by clicking HERE.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

No additional details were immediately made available.