Man dies after allegedly starting Gage Park fire that damaged three homes

A 56-year-old man died after starting a fire in Gage Park on Thursday night, according to Chicago fire officials and police.

Firefighters responded to a call of a rubbish fire in the 5000 block of South Campbell Avenue at 6:41 p.m., Chicago Fire Chief Juan Hernandez said.

Manuel Gallegos was found on the first floor of the house and taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead at 8:29 p.m., according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

Chicago police said Gallegos started the fire and the cause has been listed as arson.

An autopsy is scheduled for Gallegos, of the 5000 block of South Campbell Avenue, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

A police officer had tried to knock on the door when the fire was first reported and before firefighters could arrive but was turned away until the smoke became heavier, Hernandez said.

Due to the thick smoke and heavy fire, firefighters initially had to pull back, Hernandez said. As the fire spread and damaged the homes on either side of the house, more than 150 firefighters were called to the scene to assist.

Chicago firefighters on the scene of a fatal house fire in the 5000 block of South Campbell Avenue in Gage Park on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

Chicago firefighters work at the scene of a fatal house fire in the 5000 block of South Campbell Avenue in Gage Park on Thursday.

Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times

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