We’re sorry to hear our neighbors up on 47th and Wallingford suffered a fire today. Mary Jo sent in this report:

My husband and I were walking home from dinner when we saw gray smoke pouring into the sky over Wallingford Ave. We walked over to find 4710 Wallingford Ave having what looked like a huge fire in their backyard and the back of the house. There was not a single emergency vehicle in sight, however, there were about 50 neighbors. I called 911 at 8:56pm and reported a raging house fire at 4710 Wallingford Ave. The operator acknowledged me, said it was reported and hung up. I imagine they received about 50 calls simultaneously. It still took several minutes for a fire truck to show up but then at least 6 trucks descended as well as police, the fire chief, EMTs, the works. Firemen quickly doused flames in the backyard area but then climbed on the roof and used axes and chainsaws. Not sure what happened, but it was quite a sight. It did not appear that anyone was inside the house or in any immediate danger.

Tobin sent more information, confirming that the residents were seen outside and safe:

I was in my front yard (48^th and burke) when I saw smoke coming out of my neighbor’s tree.  I ran over and saw that my neighbor was fine, but the house across the fence from her was on fire.  I saw three people calling 911 so I helped some folks hook up garden hoses and we started hosing down the back side of the house (which appeared to be where the fire started).  Unfortunately the fire was already in the basement and the attic by the time the fire department arrived –which was only 2-3 minutes later.

Word on the street is that an elderly couple lives there with their son.  I saw the couple on the sidewalk later talking to the fireman, so it appeared that everyone was OK.

Thanks everybody for sharing your reports, and glad to hear that everybody is safe. Our hearts go out to those whose home was devastated tonight.