Chicago Heights responded to a fire yesterday in a vacant two-story building. On arrival, the first companies had a 35×40 building with heavy smoke conditions. The fire, which is considered to be of a suspicious origin, destroyed the building which consisted of apartments over a vacant store front. Several fire departments including Matteson, Park Forest, South Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Steger, Crete, and Homewood assisted Chicago Heights. The fire, which was reported around 11AM was in the 200 block of US Route 30.

Tim Olk was on the scene and submitted these images. Tim has a complete gallery which can be seen HERE.

A brief article from CBS Chicago is HERE.

Chicago Heights FD vacant building fire Dec 24, 2010

Elevated master streams from Matteson's ladder and Chicago Heights' tower ladder work to extinguish the blaze in a vacant two-story building on Christmas Eve. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Heights FD vacant building fire Dec 24, 2010

Firefighters deploy a hand line through the front door of the vacant storefront as heavy smoke escapes. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Heights FD vacant building fire Dec 24, 2010

Heavy fire and smoke escapes from the 'B' side of the building as firefighters ventilate the windows. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Heights FD vacant building fire Dec 24, 2010

Chicago Heights Truck 673, an HME/Smeal 100' tower ladder, operates in the 'A' sector directly in front of the building. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Heights FD vacant building fire Dec 24, 2010

Fire is visible from both floors in the rear of this vacant building in Chicago Heights. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Heights FD vacant building fire Dec 24, 2010

A Chicago Heights firefighter directs the master stream from the bucket of Tower 673 high above the fire building. Tim Olk photo