An early morning fire in Chicago escalated to an extra-alarm level, forcing 20 people from their homes, including six children. The blaze, which started in a vacant building on the 8800 block of South Escanaba Avenue, quickly spread to three other structures, according to officials.

The Chicago Fire Department received the first call around 4:20 a.m. and found a two-story frame building fully engulfed in flames. As the fire spread, crews called for an extra alarm, bringing more than 100 firefighters and paramedics to the scene. By 6 a.m., the fire was under control.

One firefighter suffered a knee injury during the operation and was taken to Advocate Trinity Hospital. A local resident also went to the hospital after experiencing an asthma attack caused by smoke inhalation.

Residents were evacuated from the area as crews worked to contain the flames. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Related Stories:

• Extra-alarm fire
• Extra-alarm fire in the 8800 block of South Escanaba Avenue.
• Fire displaces 20, spreads to three houses
• 8800 S Escanaba Ave, Chicago, IL 60617, USA

By Peter Nickeas – Tribune reporter

7:43 a.m. CDT, October 29, 2012

Twitter: @peternickeas

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