The Evanston Fire Department had a fire Christmas morning at 1809 Laurel Avenue. When companies arrived, they found fire in a two-flat structure and detached garage. The fire went to two extra alarms, gutted two other garages, and damage a neighboring home before being struck out. During the overhaul phase of the incident, one Evanston firefighter went down and a Mayday was issued. FirefighterCloseCalls.com posted the following description:

One firefighter was hospitalized and 2 others were treated on the scene after they were hurt this morning … at a fire that ran thru 3 garages and 2 dwellings in Evanston. Companies arrived and found a fire that was spreading quickly from at least one garage towards other garages and dwellings. The fire left three garages and two homes damaged. Toward the end of the fire, a “Mayday” was called when a firefighter became hurt. The FF was accounted for but needed help …was not burned, and 2 other firefighters were also hurt but suffered only minor injuries and were not hospitalized.

Karl Klotz arrived after the fire was knocked down and submitted several images of the scene plus a shot of Evanston’s new 2010 Pierce Arrow XT Engine at one of it’s first fires. Karl has posted a gallery of images HERE.

The Chicago Sun Times has an article HERE.

http://www.suntimes.com/3021714-417/evanston-fire-crews-firefighter-firefighters.html

The house at 1809 Laural in Evanston was gutted along with the detached garage and two neighboring garages. Karl Klotz photo

Evanston house fire December 25, 2010 at 1809 Laurel Avenue

One of three detached garages which sustained heavy damage Christmas morning at an extra alarm fire in Evanston. Karl Klotz photo

Evanston house fire December 25, 2010 at 1809 Laurel Avenue

Firefighters perform overhaul at 1809 Laurel Avenue in Evanston which was gutted by fire Christmas morning along with three detached garages. Karl Klotz photo

Evanston house fire December 25, 2010 at 1809 Laurel Avenue

Firefighters pickup hose after the fire was knocked down at this two-story residential building in Evanston. During the overhaul phase of the operation, a Mayday was called for a firefighter who collapsed. He was later transported to Evanston Hospital. Karl Klotz photo

Evanston house fire December 25, 2010 at 1809 Laurel Avenue Pierce Arrow XT engine

Evanston Engine 23 is a 2010 Pierce Arrow XT which was recently put into service. Funding for this engine came from Northwestern University which is recognized by a Northwestern Wildcats decal on the middle windows on each side of the cab. Karl Klotz photo