The community of Washington Heights on Chicago’s South Side is reeling from a “devastating and senseless loss” following a residential fire that claimed the life of a young boy and left his brother fighting for survival. On the early morning of Monday, April 13, 2026, a routine night turned into a scene of “unimaginable sorrow” for a family residing near 105th Street and Green Street.

According to the Chicago Fire Department (CFD), the blaze broke out at approximately 3:27 a.m. Firefighters arrived to find smoke billowing from the residence, and they immediately initiated a high-stakes search and rescue operation. While the parents were able to escape the home from the second floor, the two children were trapped in the living room as the fire intensified.

The Victims: A Talented Young Life Lost and a Battle for Recovery

The fire has deeply impacted two brothers who were together in the home’s living room when the flames erupted.

• London Woodard, 10: London is being remembered as a “bright and talented young boy” with a passion for sports. An avid basketball player, London had just participated in a game hours before the fire occurred. Firefighters located him on a couch suffering from severe smoke inhalation. He was rushed to Roseland Community Hospital, where he was tragically pronounced deceased.

• Mikah Glass, 18: London’s older brother, who has cerebral palsy and utilizes a wheelchair, was also trapped in the living room. Despite the significant challenge posed by his limited mobility, firefighters were able to rescue him from the residence. He sustained significant smoke inhalation and is currently in critical condition at Little Company of Mary Hospital.

The Rescue Effort: A Father’s Desperate Attempt

Family members shared harrowing details of the moments following the ignition of the blaze. The boys’ parents were asleep upstairs when the fire began in the living area below.

• The Father’s Action: Upon realizing the house was on fire, the father made a “determined and desperate attempt” to reach his sons on the first floor. However, the thickness of the smoke and the intensity of the heat proved insurmountable, forcing him to retreat.

• Seeking Help: The mother was able to escape and immediately sought help from neighbors to alert emergency services. While the parents escaped without physical injury, they are left grappling with an “immeasurable void” and “indescribable grief.”

The Investigation: Exploring a Potential Electrical Cause

The Chicago Fire Department’s Office of Fire Investigation (OFI) remains on the scene as they work to pinpoint the exact origin of the blaze. While the investigation is active and ongoing, preliminary details have provided a possible lead.

• Electrical Issue: Relatives and investigators have noted that the fire may have been sparked by an electrical issue involving an outlet located directly behind the couch where London was found.

• Forensic Review: Fire marshals are examining the home’s wiring and the living room area to determine if a faulty outlet or an appliance malfunction triggered the “sudden and tragic loss.”

Detailed Summary of the Washington Heights House Fire

A Community United in Prayer

As Washington Heights mourns the loss of London Woodard, the community has galvanized to support the family. Tributes have poured in for the 10-year-old, with friends and teammates describing him as a “source of light” on and off the basketball court.

The focus of the community now turns to Mikah Glass, as residents and loved ones offer prayers for his recovery. The tragedy serves as a “somber reminder” of the speed with which fire can transform a home and the critical importance of functional smoke detectors.

Rest in peace, London Woodard. You were a young life filled with promise and talent, taken far too soon. Your memory will live on in the hearts of your family, your teammates, and the entire Washington Heights community. We pray for the recovery of your brother, Mikah, during this incredibly dark time.