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Massive fire destroys East Side church, prompts evacuation of nearby homes

By Fox 32 Digital Staff
Published  October 14, 2023 6:34am CDT
East Side
FOX 32 Chicago

Steeple collapses in fire at 100-year-old South Side church

Crews are still battling a massive blaze at a chapel in the East Side neighborhood. The fire broke out at a 100-year-old church early Saturday causing the steeple to collapse.

CHICAGO - Firefighters battled a massive blaze at a historic church on the Far South Side Saturday morning.

Crews were called to Advocate United Church located at 10251 South Avenue L at about 3:30 a.m. 

All occupants made it out of the building and no injuries were reported.

The chapel's steeple collapsed as firefighters worked on the blaze. Fire officials say the church is approximately 100 years old.

Homes near the church were evacuated as a precaution. CTA warming buses were on the scene for neighbors that were evacuated.

Chicago Fire says the fire appeared to be primarily in the roof area. 

Firefighters said they used a defensive approach during most of the process. Ultimately, most of the structure was ruined. The church was 3 and a half stories.

It was not immediately clear how the fire started. The incident is under investigation.