Chicago City Wire

Chicago firefighters responding to a fire in the Roseland area on the afternoon of Feb. 12 were thrown off the front porch of the house by a flashover.

Seven firefighters were hurt, but none of their injuries threatened their lives and they are expected to recover fully.

"Thank you to the brave Chicago firefighters who responded to a fire in Roseland last night," state Rep. Brad Stephens (R-Chicago) said in a post to his Facebook account on Feb. 13. "We appreciate your courage to help keep Chicagoans safe."

The fire department itself also commented on the incident on social media.

"Mayday update" Chicago Fire Media said in a post to its official Twitter account on Feb. 12. "Five CFD members are being transported. A sixth is being evaluated for possible transport. Christ and LCM hospitals. These are NOT life-threatening injuries. We believe there was a flashover at this fire."

They also later officially confirmed that the seven firefighters were recovering at home. 

"Update/ All firefighters injured in the mayday have been treated and released from LCM Christ and Loyola hospitals" Chicago Fire Media post to its official Twitter account on Feb. 13. "All are well. 7"

The U.S. Fire Administration provides a definition of a flashover on its website.

"A thermally-driven event during which every combustible surface exposed to thermal radiation in a compartment or enclosed space rapidly and simultaneously ignites" The U.S. Fire Administration posted on its official website. "Flashover normally occurs when the upper portion of the compartment reaches a temperature of approximately 1,100 °F for ordinary combustibles. Building features like concealed spaces, lower ceiling heights, room partitions, and energy-efficient or hurricane windows are more likely to contribute to flashover conditions."

Three additional firefighters were inside of the home when the flashover happened but they were able to leave the home safely and in time.