Shortly before 4AM on Thursday, the Wheeling Police Department received a 9-1-1 call from a homeowner stating that their garage was on fire. Wheeling fire units were dispatched at 4AM and received reports from a patrol officer that the detached garage was fully involved. Upon seeing the header en route to the scene, the alarm was upgraded to a working fire (Code 4) which brought a tower ladder from Buffalo Grove, an ambulance from Long Grove, and an engine from Arlington Heights.
A supply line is stretched to Engine 23 in front of the fire building. Larry Shapiro photo
At 4:07, the first arriving unit found a large, 16×50 garage used for a commercial landscape business that was well involved. After viewing all sides of the building, command was notified about large storage drums, propane tanks, and an acetylene tank in or around the structure.
Pre-connects are pulled from the engine to put a third line into service. Larry Shapiro photo
The squad company prepares to go to work as a line is hitting fire in the rear. Larry Shapiro photo
Heavy fire burns throughout the structure in addition to the van out front. Larry Shapiro photo
Another hand line goes to work in front of the garage as firefighters cut access holes into the 'D' sector wall. Larry Shapiro photo
Firefighters using a 2 1/2" line attack the fire through the burned out section of the overhead door. Larry Shapiro photo
The crew of Buffalo Grove Tower Ladder 25 assembles their tools and equipment. Larry Shapiro photo
A firefighter prepares to put a Blitzfire nozzle to work. Larry Shapiro photo
Four lines were used to contain the fire which destroyed the garage, a skid-steer loader inside, and at least one vehicle parked outside. The head of the acetylene torch was damaged allowing the gas to burn freely. The building was packed with small machines and tools consistent with a landscape business.
A line is trained onto the open flame burning from a damaged acetylene tank. Larry Shapiro photo
A look inside the rear area of the garage shows a clutter of small machines, parts, and other associated tools. The flame from the open acetylene torch is in the back. Larry Shapiro photo
Wheeling Squad 24 (formerly Squad 42) is running since the tower ladder is out of service currently. Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro went to the scene and submitted these images. A gallery with more images can be found HERE.
A video from the scene will post later today.
