A woman died in a fire in her house in south suburban Dixmoor on Saturday afternoon.
"The fire was really like an inferno," said Dixmoor Village President Fitzgerald Roberts of the situation at 14241 Marshfield Street.
Roberts said first responders found the homeowner "at the front door. At the time they were able to bust in to get her, it was a bit late."
Roberts said the deadly fire should serve as a reminder for residents to make sure they have an exit plan in the event of a fire, and everyone should have a smoke detector. "That's one of the things that we would like to put emphasis on, that all residents who need smoke detectors or carbon detectors, they can contact the village and we can see what we can do to get them the proper smoke equipment that they need."
Several municipalities responded to the fire which remains under investigation but foul play is not suspected.
The woman's name has not been released but Roberts told WBBM, she "was a very friendly and bright person and believed in keeping the area clean. She will be missed."