Fri Feb 21 08:20:00 UTC 2025: **Roseland Furniture Store Destroyed in Major Fire; One Firefighter Injured**
CHICAGO (WLS) – A major fire ripped through Elegant Furniture & Linen in the Roseland neighborhood Thursday evening, resulting in the complete destruction of the 13-year-old business and injuring one firefighter. The blaze, which broke out around 6 p.m. at the store near 112th Street and Michigan Avenue, sent large flames and heavy black smoke billowing into the sky.
Firefighters battled the inferno for hours, facing significant challenges due to the highly flammable nature of the furniture and mattresses inside. Deputy Commissioner Brian Hamel of the Chicago Fire Department described the fire as one of the more dangerous types due to the heavy fire load. One firefighter suffered injuries but is expected to recover. No other injuries were reported.
Store owner Ahmad Zoubi, who immigrated to the U.S. from Jordan 25 years ago, escaped the fire along with four others, including his wife, after smelling smoke emanating from the basement. Zoubi described the rapid spread of the fire, stating that within minutes of calling the fire department, the blaze intensified dramatically.
The building is considered a total loss and will require demolition. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
First Piper 