Winds hamper crews at Division, Altgeld fires

October 27, 2010 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- ComEd said almost 1,000 customers were without power after an electrical pole fell onto a roof and started a fire in the 4300-block of West Division Street.

One firefighter was injured after coming in contact with downed wires. He was shocked, but was not taken to the hospital for treatment, according to the Chicago Fire Department.

ComEd crews said they will work to restore the power once the area is safe.

High winds apparently knocked down the pole, which fell into wires and another pole before hitting a garage at 4350 West Division Street and igniting the flames.

Businesses and residences in the area have phone service.

Altgeld fire destroys building

In another fire on the city's North Side, a firefighter injured an ankle while fighting a fire that spread to a row of three-flat homes in the 1700-block of West Altgeld near Ashland and Fullerton. One home was destroyed.

No injuries were reported and the fire was struck as of 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The home where the blaze started was destroyed and has since collapsed. The two other homes sustained mostly smoke damage. Fire officials say the layout of the row homes, which creates a tunnel effect, made the fire more challenging.

"The high winds gust extension of fire going to both buildings. You have wires coming down. You have pieces of shingles and roof flying off. It is a dangerous condition. We have one firefighter at this time with a twisted ankle," said a firefighter.

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