The city of Chicago is mourning the tragic line-of-duty death of Mike Altman, a firefighter with the Chicago Fire Department, who died after suffering severe injuries while battling a devastating apartment fire.

Firefighter Altman, assigned to Truck Company 47, was critically injured while responding to a four-story apartment building fire at 1757 W. North Shore Avenue in the Rogers Park neighborhood on March 16, 2026.

According to officials, Altman was conducting a primary search inside the burning structure when he fell through the floor into a room below that was already fully engulfed in flames. The fall left him with burns over approximately 90 percent of his body.

Fellow firefighters quickly removed Altman from the building and rushed him to Stroger Hospital of Cook County for emergency treatment. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries the following morning, March 17.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire. Detectives are currently seeking to locate and interview Sheaves N. Slate in connection with the incident. Officials say Slate also has an active warrant in Cook County for failure to appear.

The loss of Firefighter Altman has sent waves of grief through the Chicago fire service and the wider community. Colleagues remember him as a courageous and dedicated firefighter who risked his life to protect others.

As tributes pour in, many are honoring his bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty, a reminder of the dangers firefighters face each day while protecting their communities. His service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.