The Long Grove Fire Department conducted a controlled burn-down of a vacant house at 1889 Checker Road Saturday morning. The house had been used by the fire department over the past two weeks for live-fire training evolutions to train Long Grove and eight other area departments. The house was the scene of what is being called a fire of suspicious origin this past Thursday, but the fire was stopped before it got hold of the main structure, and it was burned today for the public. A developer owns the property and will begin preparing the property for three new homes.

Tim Olk and Larry Shapiro were in attendance and submitted several images.

Long Grove FPD burn down 9-17-11

A crowd of residents gathers to watch the Long Grove FPD burn down a vacant house. Larry Shapiro photo

Long Grove FPD burn down 9-17-11

Moments after igniting the fires on the second floor, smoke and flames show from the roof, eaves and windows. Larry Shapiro photo

Long Grove FPD burn down 9-17-11

Fires were then ignited on the first floor and heavy fire is visible throughout. Larry Shapiro photo

Long Grove FPD burn down 9-17-11

A view from the north end shows the volume of fire. Larry Shapiro photo

Long Grove FPD burn down 9-17-11

Fire now is showing from from all but the farthest southern section of the house. Larry Shapiro photo

Long Grove FPD burn down 9-17-11

The south end of the house is now well involved as firefighters keep the trees from catching fire. Larry Shapiro photo

Long Grove FPD burn down 9-17-11

The thick black smoke signifies the roof burning now at the southern end of the house. Larry Shapiro photo

Long Grove FPD burn down 9-17-11

The chimney remains standing after the majority of the house has been consumed. Larry Shapiro photo

There is a large gallery with more images from Larry Shapiro HERE.