West Englewood Fire Claims 2 Adults, 2 Children, Investigated As Possible Arson

CHICAGO—A South Side fire that claimed the lives of two adults and two children is being investigated as an arson, Chicago police said.

Around 1:49 a.m. Wednesday, Chicago firefighters and officers responded to a fire in the 6200 block of South Paulina Street in West Englewood. A 211 alarm and EMS 2 plan were immediately called.

Firefighters performed multiple rescues as the blaze ripped through house, pulling out four children ages 8 through 16, a 57-year-old woman, and a 57-year-old man. The adults suffered severe burns to their bodies and were transported in critical condition to University of Chicago Hospital, where they have since died.

Four children were also injured in the fire, including three teenage boys ages 14, 15 and 16, and an 8-year-old girl. The children were taken to Comer Children’s Hospital, where the 8-year-old and 15-year-old were pronounced dead. The other children remain in stable condition.

The Cook County Medical Examiner identified the adults as Reginald Wilson, 57, and Lisa Brown, 57. The children were said to be foster children and siblings who were cared for by the couple for years, ABC 7 Chicago reported.

Chicago firefighters were joined by Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th) Thursday morning handing out smoke alarms and fire safety literature to neighbors in West Englewood, as arson investigators remained at the scene. Lopez said the fire started outside the house.

“If you have issues with somebody else,” Lopez told ABC 7. “You don't set their home on fire, you don't endanger the lives of innocent children sleeping at midnight simply because you're pissed off at the world.”

Lopez added there have been multiple calls for disputes with neighbors at the home in the past. He is asking residents to check doorcam footage between the hours of midnight and 1 a.m. Wednesday for possible suspects making their way toward the house.

Anyone with information is asked to contact CPD Area One detectives at 312-747-8380 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com. Please use reference RD# JK261797.