Here are several images from Tim Olk at the fire in Gurnee.

 

Gurnee Fire Department 5th alarm fire Grand Avenue Vista Hotel Holiday Inn 8-23-11

The Round Lake tower prepares to go to work with an elevated master stream at the north east corner of the hotel complex. The supply line has not yet been charged as firefighters take the ladder up. Tim Olk photo

 

Gurnee Fire Department 5th alarm fire Grand Avenue Vista Hotel Holiday Inn 8-23-11

Supply lines and attack lines criss-cross on the pavement out front as firefighters hit the fire from multiple positions. Tim Olk photo

 

Gurnee Fire Department 5th alarm fire Grand Avenue Vista Hotel Holiday Inn 8-23-11

Gurnee Engine 1322 was the first unit on the scene and took a position in front of the hotel. They made an interior attack until the intense heat forced them to retreat. The engine is supplying the Gurnee tower ladder as well as hand lines. Tim Olk photo

 

Gurnee Fire Department 5th alarm fire Grand Avenue Vista Hotel Holiday Inn 8-23-11

Multiple hand lines operate in the driveway on the east side of the fire building in addition to the tower ladder from Round Lake. Tim Olk photo

 

Gurnee Fire Department 5th alarm fire Grand Avenue Vista Hotel Holiday Inn 8-23-11

During the initial attack, Gurnee firefighters used this ground ladder to get on the roof. The heat became too intense to maintain that position so they had to evacuate. The ladder that they had used, which was retrieved later, was severely damaged. Tim Olk photo