ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team 
Saturday, July 4, 2026 4:20PM
CHICAGO (WLS) — Seven people were hospitalized after a fire broke out in a South Side high-rise building’s trash chute on Saturday morning, the Chicago Fire Department said.
Smoke could be seen coming from the top of the building near West 71st Street and South Lafayette Avenue in the city’s Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood.
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CFD said the entire building was evacuated, and Chicago firefighters have extinguished the flames.
Of those transported to hospitals, four were in good condition and three were in fair condition.
Twelve people refused medical treatment on the scene, CFD said.
It’s not yet clear how the fire started.
Authorities did not immediately provide further information.
This is a developing story. Check back with ABC7 for updates.
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