CHICAGO, IL (January 16, 2008) – A fire in the basement of Cornerstone Community Outreach Center forced the evacuation of about 100 residents from the homeless shelter Tuesday night. The center is a ministry of Jesus People USA Covenant Church.
Three police officers suffered minor smoke inhalation and were treated and released from local hospitals. There were no other injuries, and all residents were moved to another shelter.
Three police officers suffered minor smoke inhalation and were treated and released from local hospitals. There were no other injuries, and all residents were moved to another shelter.
The fire started in the basement, and smoke rose throughout the five-story shelter, according to news reports. The fire was contained to the basement, which is used for storage.
The building includes a large kitchen and dining area, dormitory for women and children, three rooms for intact families and an adolescent boys dorm, as well as recreational facilities.
An alarm notified the fire department around 9:30 p.m., and the fire was extinguished by 10 p.m. The cause is under investigation.