Chicago, IL – Fire at large furniture warehouse extinguished by sprinkler system; No injuries reported

A fire broke out in a large furniture warehouse in the Ford City neighborhood in the early hours of Black Friday.  Fire crews responded to United Furniture in 4100 block of West 76th Street about 9:30 a.m. and discovered several couches on fire, according to department officials.  The sprinkler system extinguished the flames, officials said. Employees were evacuated but no one was reported injured and no one was transported from the scene for medical treatment, officials said.

Warehouse owner Abdail Morra wore a light yellow coat and held a cup of coffee as he stood a few feet from the building, looking on as emergency personnel surveyed the scene. Four fire engines with flashing red lights were parked just outside the building.  “It was honestly really scary,” he said, showing a video of dozens of couches catching fire. An employee noticed the fire and rushed to Morra’s office.  Friends and colleagues approached Morra outside, offering a hug or a handshake and a few words of condolence.   “I just hope I don’t have to close down,” he said. “If I close down, it will break me big time.