LIBERTY, Ill. (AP) -- Authorities are trying to determine what sparked a blaze that destroyed the century-old home of a former Chicago Bears player who helped the team win the 1986 Super Bowl.
The Quincy Herald-Whig reports that no injuries resulted from the blaze early Wednesday at Mark Bortz's two-story farmhouse near Liberty, a village in western Illinois' Adams County.
The house was fully engulfed when volunteer firefighters arrived, and two fire engines got stuck in snow that kept them from getting to the scene.
Bortz was a fixture on the Bears' offensive line for 12 seasons, including the 1985 that culminated with the Bears' title over the New England Patriots. He was a two-time Pro Bowler.
Fire Chief Don Loos says Bortz and his wife have another home and aren't without shelter.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:00 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:00:34 GMT
The Chicago Bears will retire former head coach Mike Ditka's No. 89. The Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end's number will be officially retired during halftime at the Bears' Monday Night Football game Dec. 9.
The Chicago Bears will retire former head coach Mike Ditka's No. 89. The Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end's number will be officially retired during halftime at the Bears' Monday Night Football game Dec. 9.
Heading into his third season, Chicago Bears nose tackle Stephen Paea is ready to compete for the starting spot. But handling his family's off-season acquisition – triplets! – may be a bigger challenge.
Heading into his third season, Chicago Bears nose tackle Stephen Paea is ready to compete for the starting spot. But handling his family's off-season acquisition – triplets! – may be a bigger challenge.
Monday, May 13 2013 12:14 AM EDT2013-05-13 04:14:12 GMT
Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Blanchard had little chance to impress coaches last season or during an April minicamp, so he did what he could to make the most of his chance to throw at the team's rookie camp...
Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Blanchard had little chance to impress coaches last season or during an April minicamp, so he did what he could to make the most of his chance to throw at the team's rookie camp that ended...
Saturday, May 11 2013 11:39 PM EDT2013-05-12 03:39:02 GMT
Chicago Bears first round draft pick Kyle Long expects he'll be able to overcome the lack of offseason practice time that will result from missing all of organized team activities and minicamp with his new team.
Chicago Bears first round draft pick Kyle Long expects he'll be able to overcome the lack of offseason practice time that will result from missing all of organized team activities and minicamp with his new team.
WTTG FOX 5 & myfoxdc 5151 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016 Main Number: (202) 244-5151 Newsroom: (202) 895-3000 fox5tips@wttg.com
