Archive for November 18th, 2010

Classic engine at Darien-Woodridge

On Tuesday, we mentioned the addition of the Darien-Woodridge Fire District to the site. One of the engines that was posted along with the apparatus at Station 2 is an unusual antique with a long history. Jack Connors has provided us with information about the engine as well as a few photos.

The engine is a 1949 Oshkosh/Howe with a 1,000-GPM pump and a 1,200-gallon tank. The Oshkosh chassis is an Oshkosh Model W-2201 carrying serial number 3541. The Howe serial number is HR-10-7961.

Belmont Fire District Oshkosh Howe

This image shows the 1949 Oshkosh Howe engine as lettered for the Belmont Fire District. Jack Connors collection

This engine first saw service at the Argonne National Laboratory, in Argonne, IL. Next it went to Grandview Park, IL which was annexed by Oak Lawn. It was then used by the Belmont Fire District which became part of the Darien-Woodridge Fire District.

Darien Woodridge Belmont Fire District Oshkosh Howe engine

The engine currently has a Darien-Woodridge Fire District decal replacing the Belmont Fire Protection District name on the door. The Belmont name still resides on the hood. Jack Connors collection

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Barrington brush fire

Throughout the north and northwest suburbs during the past week or so, the skies have been dotted by random headers which have largely been the result of widespread prescribed prairie burns. Occasionally, the fires have not been sanctioned or properly permitted and necessitate a fire department response. Tuesday, while driving through the northwest suburbs, Larry Shapiro followed a header to a prairie fire that was not supervised.

Barrington Fire District prairie fire

Upon arrival of the first Barrington companies, the fire was running along a line in the middle of a large field. The dense smoke had already subsided. Larry Shapiro photo

Barrington units were dispatched to a prairie fire behind homes on Old Dundee Road west of Sutton (Route 59). While en-route, responding units requested additional companies based on what was a substantial header. They found a large field that had been largely consumed already but with a good amount of fuel load remaining and conditions which would endanger at least one large home with a shift in the wind.

Barrington Fire District prairie fire

Although flame heights were fairly impressive as depicted here, the fuel load was not sufficient to sustain the fire for very long. Larry Shapiro photo

Barrington’s new IHC/US Tanker was on the scene as well as two engines, a quint, an ambulance, battalion chief, and brush unit. The fire was controlled without incident and contained within the prairie grasses without encroaching on the residential properties.

Barrington Fire District prairie fire

Barrington's Brush Truck arrived after the initial companies and was driven into the field to wet down the remaining spot fires and the perimeter of the field. Larry Shapiro photo

Barrington Fire District prairie fire

This shot illustrates the size of the field that was involved. The bulk of the fire was out before the fire department arrived. In the distance there is a considerable area visible which did not burn. The foreground shows the proximity of the fire to the resident's yard. Larry Shapiro photo

A small gallery can be seen HERE.

Tags: , , , , ,