Rogers Park fire forces elderly, babies into freezing cold

A New Year’s day fire in Chicago’s Far North Side Rogers Park neighborhood forced approximately 12 to 24 people into the freezing temperatures.

The fire was reported around 12:20 a.m. at 1348 West Howard Street, between Eastlake Terrace and Sheridan Road. 

The fire started in a second floor apartment and quickly engulfed the rear of the property, according to one source. 

Among the displaced were residents in their 80s, several infants, and a cat, said police. 

Some of the residents fled the burning building wearing nothing more than their under clothes, said authorities. 

At the time of this report, the current temperature was 19 degrees. 

A preliminary report indicated everyone was successfully evacuated from the building. 

However, a conflicting report suggested the woman who lives in the apartment where the fire started, never exited the building. 

If more information becomes available, this article will be updated accordingly.

UPDATE: Officials believe fireworks may have started the fire.

UPDATE: 12:54 a.m. - Red Cross notified of displacements.

UPDATE: 12:59 a.m. - Authorities were still waiting for a warming bus to arrive.

UPDATE: 1:02 a.m. - Red Cross estimated time of arrival: 2 a.m. Residents are still waiting for a warming bus.

UPDATE: 1:11 a.m. - The warming bus arrives. Authorities still trying to speed up the Red Cross' arrival. No report of injuries.