News

Fire destroys home of ex-Bear Bortz

Posted March 07, 2013 4:30 pm

Associated Press

LIBERTY, Ill. — Authorities are trying to determine what sparked a blaze that destroyed the century-old home of a former Bears player who helped the team win the 1986 Super Bowl.

The Quincy Herald-Whig reported 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.

Bort 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.

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