Ronaldo Nunez facing arson, animal cruelty charges in connection with large Blue Island fire in 2000-block of Vermont Street
Share this @internewscast.com

A man has been charged with arson and animal cruelty following a significant fire that broke out in the southern suburb on Monday morning, as announced by officials on Friday.

According to a spokesperson from the City of Blue Island, 22-year-old Ronaldo Nunez faces three charges of aggravated arson, one charge of aggravated animal cruelty, and one charge of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

People nearby said they heard a loud bang before the fire broke out at a house in the 2000-block of Vermont Street around 4:15 a.m.

The fire destroyed one home and damaged three others. One of those homes housed a hair salon.

A person was hospitalized with minor burn injuries, and two firefighters were released after being taken to the hospital for heat exhaustion.

Although two ferrets and a cat managed to escape the residence where the blaze began, the family reported that their 8-year-old German Shepherd, Lexi, is missing.

One person told ABC7 off camera that his brother, who was home during the time of the fire, had burns on his leg and back. He says the rest of the family was away in Mexico.

On Monday, a spokesperson said a person being investigated in connection with the fire was being treated at Loyola University Medical center for burn injuries. Officials on Friday did not immediately say if Nunez is that person or whether he was the burn victim found at the scene.

The video in the player above is from a previous report.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Gwyneth Paltrow felt 'sad' when Brad Pitt married Jennifer Aniston, relished when pals said he had 'terrible taste'

Gwyneth Paltrow ‘saddened’ by Brad Pitt’s marriage to Jennifer Aniston, enjoyed friends’ comments on his ‘poor taste’

In Amy Odell’s new book “Gwyneth: The Biography,” it is revealed that…
Chicago shootings this weekend: At least 16 shot, 4 fatally, in gun violence across city, police say

Weekend Gun Violence in Chicago: Police Report 16 Shot, Including 4 Fatalities

CHICAGO (WLS) — At least 16 people have been shot, four fatally,…
Free things to do today in Chicago: Park district hosting 13th annual Night Out in the Parks | LIST

Discover Free Activities in Chicago Today: 13th Annual Night Out in the Parks Hosted by Park District | GUIDE

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Park District is hosting the city’s 13th…
YES broadcast criticizes Yankees' baserunning after Ronald Acuna's double play

YES Network Expresses Disapproval of Yankees’ Base Running Following Double Play by Ronald Acuna

Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. made a show-stopping defensive play on Friday…
Sophie Vouzelaud, Miss Limousin 2006, in a swimsuit.

Romantic Journey: Man Travels 500 Miles to Meet His Dream Woman, Only to Discover She’s Married

A LOVESTRUCK man travelled nearly 500 miles to meet a beauty queen…
Willow Springs man William O'Brien charged in Western Springs home invasions, attack, car theft, police say

Willow Springs Resident William O’Brien Arrested for Western Springs Home Invasions, Assault, and Car Theft, Police Report

WESTERN SPRINGS, Ill. (WLS) — A 36-year-old man from Willow Springs is…
Hilarious: Book Sheds New Light on Kamala Campaign's 'Tailspin' Over McDonald's Employment Claims

Funny Revelation: New Book Uncovers Kamala Campaign’s Chaos Over McDonald’s Job Claims

Among the most amusing and unexpected events of the 2024 general election…
Knife attack at massive Portland rave leaves four teenagers wounded

Four Teenagers Injured in Knife Incident at Large Portland Rave

Authorities in Portland, Oregon are looking into an incident where four teenagers…
This bad habit can make you gain weight — even after you stop

This Habit Can Cause Weight Gain, Even After You Quit

Talk about a scale fail.  New research suggests that a common dieting…
House GOP Blocks Democratic Push to Release Epstein Files, Sparking Cover-Up Claims

House GOP Prevents Democrats’ Effort to Disclose Epstein Files, Leading to Allegations of a Cover-Up

House Republicans, with a 7-5 vote led by Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, blocked…
Hoo Boy: New Effort by Dems to Figure Out Why They're Losing Is Hilariously Clueless

How Democrats Undermined Themselves: Self-Owns, Reckless Moves, Delays, and Vocal Mishaps Against Trump

Democrats are facing a series of setbacks, and their attempts to challenge…
What to know about arson and explosives units after blast at training facility in Los Angeles

Understanding the Role of Arson and Explosives Units Following a Blast at a Los Angeles Training Center

On Friday, three officers from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s arson…