Mundelein house fire leaves 4-year-old dead

4-year-old killed in Mundelein house fire

A 4-year-old was killed in a house fire overnight in suburban Mundelein.

MUNDELEIN, Ill. - A 4-year-old child was killed in an overnight house fire in Mundelein.

What we know:

Firefighters responded at 12:20 a.m. to a home in the 200 block of Dalton Avenue and found the structure fully engulfed in flames, Mundelein Fire Department Deputy Chief Jeremy Lockwood said.

Two people were outside the home and told crews a 4-year-old child was unaccounted for, and where the child was last seen, officials said. They attempted to re-enter the home to rescue the child but were unable to because of heavy fire and smoke.

Firefighters attacked the blaze and searched the area where the child was believed to be but did not find the child.

A second crew assisted with firefighting efforts and searched the home again, finding the main hallway floor had been compromised by active fire conditions.

The child was later found dead in the basement, according to fire officials.

The fire was declared under control at 1:30 a.m. A nearby home sustained minor heat damage.

Child identified by coroner:

The Lake County Coroner's Office identified the child Monday evening as Christopher Alfaro-Rodriguez, of Mundelein. 

An autopsy was conducted Monday and preliminary results showed Alfaro-Rodriguez died from smoke inhalation. Toxicology testing, including carbon monoxide levels, are still pending, the coroner's office said. 

What we don't know:

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials said it is unclear whether the home had working smoke detectors.

What they're saying:

The Village of Mundelein released the following statement about the incident.

"The Village is deeply saddened by the tragic house fire that occurred last evening which resulted in loss of such a young life. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this devastating loss and we extend our deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time.

"The Village would like to thank all our first responders who worked tirelessly at the scene, their professionalism and dedication is deeply appreciated.

"As a community, we stand together in support of all those impacted and ask that the public to keep them in their thoughts.

"The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available."