Hundreds Displaced by Fire at Illinois Health Facility

An early morning fire has forced the evacuation of about 400 residents of a mental health facility in the Chicago suburb of Robbins.

Robbins Fire Chief Charles Lloyd Jr. says the fire that broke out at the Lydia Healthcare Center at about 1 a.m. Monday started in a mattress and was probably caused by smoking. Firefighters doused the blaze, but the building had to be closed due to smoke and water damage.

Fire officials say three residents and an employee were taken to a hospital with smoke inhalation but their injuries don’t appear to be life-threatening.

The displaced residents are being cared for at the Robbins Community Center. Officials from the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago are on site to help.