Extra-alarm fire tears through homes on Chicago's NW Side

CHICAGO - A large house fire broke out early this morning in the Portage Park neighborhood, damaging two homes but leaving no injuries.

What we know:

Firefighters responded to the blaze around 4:45 a.m. after flames erupted on the top floor of a brick bungalow at 5921 W. Waveland Ave. The fire quickly spread to a neighboring house, which sustained significant damage, including a second-floor collapse.

More than 100 firefighters and emergency personnel battled the intense flames, which at one point shot through the roof. Crews faced additional challenges due to the freezing temperatures, which caused fire hoses to freeze and hydrants to be more difficult to access. Despite these obstacles, firefighters managed to bring the fire under control.

"I know it's kind of hard to say sometimes when you look behind me and see this destruction, but this is one that really could have been a lot worse," said CFD Deputy Chief Kelly Burns.

The fire was classified as a two-alarm blaze, prompting the deployment of additional crews and equipment. Firefighters used seven hoses and a tower ladder to douse the flames, stretching fire lines to hydrants located down the street and around the corner.

Despite the extensive damage to the homes, all residents and their pets safely evacuated before the fire intensified.

What we don't know:

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire. An investigation is underway.