Excerpts from the ChicagoSunTimes.com:

A firefighter fell through a staircase while battling a house fire in the West Englewood neighborhood Wednesday evening on the South Side.

A mayday was called for the fire at a home in the 6900 block of South Paulina about 5:40 p.m., according to the Chicago Fire Department, meaning a firefighter had been reported lost or trapped.

The firefighter had been backing down the staircase as it collapsed, so he was able to slow his fall, fire officials said. He then climbed out and didn’t need medical treatment.

thanks Dan

From CFD Media on Twitter:

STILL AND BOX 6943 Paulina details to follow MAYDAY MAYDAY

Update. Mayday secure. Firefighter fell thru stairway. He is OK. No transport. All members are GOOD. LANGFORD

Update. One civilian not accounted for. May be a squatter. Searches underway. 6943 Pauline

Awaiting report of final search to account for possible missing squatter. EMS plan secure. Mayday secure. All FF are PAR

ff was backing out as a stairway collapsed. He Went down but was able to slow fall and climb out

Final search negative at 6943 Paulina no injuries !

CFD Media photo

CFD Media photo

Tags: CFD Media on Twitter, Chicago ff falls through stairs at house fire, Chicago Fire Department, mayday at chicago house fire, mayday called at Chicago fire