Local News
Chicago firefighter Michael Altman dies after falling in Rogers Park building fire
The Chicago Fire Department has identified 32-year-old Michael Altman as the firefighter-EMT who died following a devastating fire in the Rogers Park neighborhood.
According to officials, the fire broke out at approximately 11:30 a.m. Monday in the 1700 block of West North Shore Avenue, escalating into a 2-11 alarm response that drew multiple engine companies to the scene.
Firefighters, including members of Engine Company 47, worked aggressively to contain the blaze and search for potential occupants inside the structure.
During the operation, Altman was conducting a search of the building to locate any individuals who may have been trapped. While inside, the first floor suddenly collapsed, causing him to fall through the structure. He sustained critical injuries and severe burns in the incident.
Altman was immediately rescued and transported to John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. Despite lifesaving efforts by medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries several hours later.
Chicago Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt confirmed Altmanโs identity and service record. He had been with the department for nearly two years and was assigned to Truck Company 47, serving the Edgewater area. He was approaching his second anniversary with the department in May.
Altman is remembered not only for his dedication to public service but also for his bravery in the face of extreme danger. He was married and the father of a young child, with another child on the way, according to information shared by the The Yard Foundation.
His death marks a profound loss for the department and the city of Chicago. Fellow firefighters, colleagues, and community members are honoring his life, courage, and unwavering commitment to protecting others.
Officials and community organizations have extended their deepest condolences to Altmanโs family, his brothers and sisters of Engine Company 47, and the entire Chicago Fire Department as they mourn this tragic loss.
Local News
Jasmine Henson and her four children died following a devastating residential fire near Canton in Van Zandt County, Texas
CANTON, Texas โ Jasmine Henson and her four children have reportedly died following a devastating residential fire near Canton in Van Zandt County, Texas.
The children were trapped inside the burning home early Wednesday morning, October 21, 2026, and a fourth child who was rescued alive later died at a hospital, according to Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Kevin Palmer.
Henson was also hospitalized after the fire and reportedly later died.
The tragedy has devastated the family and shaken the surrounding community, with neighbors, school officials and local residents mourning the loss of the children and expressing support for surviving relatives.
According to the Van Zandt County Fire Marshalโs Office, multiple fire departments responded at approximately 12:30 a.m. Wednesday to a reported structure fire near County Road 4127 and County Road 4128.
Three occupants reportedly managed to escape the burning structure, but four children remained trapped inside.
The fire was so intense that firefighters reportedly had to breach an exterior wall to enter the home. Once inside, crews found the children, but three had already died from their injuries.
The children were described as a 3-year-old girl, a 5-year-old boy and an 8-year-old boy.
A fourth child, a 10-year-old boy, was found alive and airlifted to Parkland Hospital in Dallas for emergency treatment. Despite medical efforts, the child later died, Fire Marshal Kevin Palmer confirmed, bringing the number of child fatalities to four.
The childrenโs mother, Jasmine Henson, was also transported by medical helicopter to Parkland Hospital after the fire.
According to the supplied account, a family member said Henson suffered extensive burns and was placed on life support. The later update states that she subsequently died, although an official confirmation of her death and the timing of that update should be verified before publication.
The initial reports also indicated that two other occupants were taken to a hospital as a precaution. Their identities and current medical conditions have not been fully detailed in the information provided.
The reported deaths of Henson and all four children have turned the incident into an especially devastating loss for the family and the Canton community.
The Van Zandt County Peace Officerโs Association reportedly identified the family as the Hensons. The childrenโs grandfather reportedly serves with the Van Zandt County Sheriffโs Office.
Neighbors described being awakened by screams and the smell of smoke as the fire unfolded. One neighbor, speaking to CBS19, recalled seeing the children riding their bicycles outside regularly and described them as sweet, well-liked youngsters who had become familiar faces in the neighborhood.
Those memories have added to the heartbreak felt by residents as they come to terms with the loss of four young children and their mother.
Canton Independent School District issued a statement expressing profound sadness over the deaths of students connected to Canton Elementary and Canton Intermediate Schools.
The district extended its condolences to the Henson family, friends, classmates, teachers and everyone affected by the tragedy.
Canton ISD also announced that counselors and support staff would be available on campus in the coming days to help students and employees cope with the loss.
School officials emphasized the importance of compassion, kindness and community support during the difficult period.
A prayer vigil was reportedly held Wednesday at the Van Zandt County Courthouse in Canton, allowing community members to gather, pray and remember those affected by the fire.
The cause of the blaze has not been publicly released. The Van Zandt County Fire Marshalโs Office is investigating the incident, and officials may provide additional details as the investigation continues.
As the community mourns, attention remains focused on the surviving occupants, the grieving family and the firefighters who entered the burning structure in an effort to save the children.
The deaths of Jasmine Henson and her four children represent an unimaginable loss. Residents are being encouraged to support those affected and keep the family, survivors and first responders in their thoughts as investigators work to determine what caused the fire.