Archive for January, 2012

Commercial garage fire in Wheeling 1-12-12

Jan 12

Posted by bgshap in Apparatus on-scene, Fire, Fire Service News | Comments off

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.

Wheeling garage fire 1-12-12 on Schoenbeck

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.

Tags: Arlington Heights Fire Department, Buffalo Grove Tower 25, commercial garage fire in Wheeling, firefighters battle fire, firefighters on a hoseline, garage fire on Schoenbeck in Wheeling, Larry Shapiro, Long Grove Fire Protection District, night time garage fire, Task Force Tips Blitzfire nozzle, Wheeling Engine 23, Wheeling Fire Department

Machine fire in Buffalo Grove 1-11-12

Jan 11

Posted by bgshap in Apparatus on-scene, Fire, Fire Department News | Comments off

On what was otherwise a beautiful (and slow) day, Larry Shapiro went to a fire that was inside an industrial facility at 1010 Johnson Drive in Buffalo Grove. Companies were called to the scene following a report of smoke inside the building. Upon arrival they found the building had been evacuated and there was a significant amount of smoke inside. Northbrook Tower Ladder 12 was requested as a second truck as Buffalo Grove companies located a machine inside the building that had caused some filters to ignite. The fire was extinguished quickly with one line deployed off of Engine 26.

machine fire in an industrial building in Buffalo Grove 1-11-12

Buffalo Grove Tower 25 was put into the air in the event that firefighters would need access to the roof of the building at 1010 Johnson Drive. Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove Engine 26 lead out one line into the building to knock down the fire. Larry Shapiro photo

Smoke lingers in the production area inside Vapor Bus International in Buffalo Grove. Larry Shapiro photo

A view inside the affected area. Larry Shapiro photo

As a precautionary measure a firefighter is hosed down after coming out of the building. Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove's two Ferrara units outside the building at 1010 Johnson Drive. Larry Shapiro photo

Another firefighter gets cleaned off to remove any icky stuff he may have come into contact with inside the building. Larry Shapiro photo

A gallery with more exciting images can be found HERE.

Tags: Buffalo Grove Engine 26, Buffalo Grove Fire Department, Ferrara engine, Ferrara tower ladder on-scene, firefighter de-con, industrial fire in Buffalo Grove, Larry Shapiro

Harvey commercial fire 1-10-12 goes to 2 alarms

Jan 10

Posted by bgshap in Fire, Fire Service News | Comments off

The Sun-Times has an article about the 2nd Alarm commercial fire in Harvey this morning.

A firefighter was hospitalized for dehydration while battling a blaze that destroyed a Harvey tavern Tuesday in the south suburb.

The fire started about 10:55 a.m. at El Ranchit Lounge at 15410 Park Ave. in Harvey, according to Harvey Fire Capt. Steve Gorman. The tavern was not open when the fire started.

The entire article can be found HERE.

A photo gallery is HERE with several images of the fire burning through the roof that prominently feature the new tower ladder in Calumet Park.

Tim Olk went to the fire and will have images to view tomorrow.

Tags: 2nd Alarm fire in Harvey, commercial building fire, Harvey Fire Department, Harvey restaurant fire

Large barn fire near Batavia 1-9-12

Jan 10

Posted by bgshap in Fire, Fire Service News | Comments off

The Kane County Chronicle has an article about a fire on Monday that:

…caused more than $400,000 in damage to a barn at Stokes Excavating at 35W160 Butterfield Road in unincorporated Batavia.

Batavia and North Aurora firefighters responded to the blaze along with other area fire departments, including Aurora, Geneva and Fermilab.

Firefighters arrived on the scene at 10:29 a.m., and had the fire under control by 12:30 p.m. The fire forced the closure of Butterfield Road between Hart/Mitchell Road and Pinecreek Drive in North Aurora.

The complete article with a video and photo can be found HERE.

Tags: Batavia Fire Department, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory fire department, Fermilab Fire Department, Geneva Fire Department, North Aurora Fire Department, North Aurora Fire Protection District

Chicago working fire at 1802 N. Sheffield 1-8-12

Jan 9

Posted by bgshap in Apparatus on-scene, Fire, Fire Service News | 3 Comments

Karl Klotz took in a fire on Sunday morning in the city. He submitted several images and the following description:

Chicago working fire at 1802 N. Sheffield

Fire on the 2nd floor of a 2-story apartments over commerical type building. Tower Ladder 10 made one removal via their main of an occupant from the 2nd floor.

Chicago Fire Department working fire at 1802 N. Sheffield

First arrival shot of Engine Co. 55 & Truck Co. 44. Karl Klotz photo

Engine 55 leading out a 2 & 1/2" line. Karl Klotz photo

Truck Co. 44 laddering the roof and placing a ground ladder. Karl Klotz photo

Members of Engine Co. 22 leading out a 2nd line. Karl Klotz photo

Tower Ladder 10 laddering the building. Karl Klotz photo

Fire starting to show from the 2nd floor windows. Karl Klotz photo

Tower Ladder 10 assisting the occupant down from the 2nd floor. Karl Klotz photo

The resident is helped to the ground by firefighters. Karl Klotz photo

Karl has more images in a gallery HERE.

Tags: Chicago Engine 55, Chicago Fire Department, Chicago Tower 10, Chicago Tower 10 makes rescue, Chicago Tower Ladder 10, Chicago Truck 44, fire at 1802 N. Sheffield, Karl Klotz

One hurt at Schaumburg 2-11 fire in a 7-story apartment building

Jan 8

Posted by bgshap in Apparatus on-scene, Fire, Fire Department News | 1 Comment

The Schaumburg Fire Department received an automatic fire alarm before 6AM on Saturday which was follow by several 9-1-1 calls reporting smoke in the building at 1234 Valley Lake Drive. Engine 54 was first on the scene and connected to the standpipe system. Firefighters found residents in the lobby area and on upper floor balconies of the 7-story building. When they made the fire floor, they encountered heavy smoke and had to locate the unit that was on fire.

The 85-year old resident of the apartment that was on fire received burns to to her chest and was transported to St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates before being transferred to the burn center at Loyola University Hospital.

Two lines were deployed and companies were able to confine the fire to the unit of origin. The alarm went to a 2-11 with a special call four five additional ambulances as a precaution. Schaumburg firefighters retrieved multiple residents that took refuge on their balconies to escape the smoke.

Larry Shapiro went to the scene and submitted several images.

woman burned at Schaumburg apartment fire Valley Lake Drive 1-7-12

Schaumburg Engine 52 was the second engine on the scene and took the front driveway with Ambulance 52, Battalion 5 and Truck 52. Larry Shapiro photo

Schaumburg firefighters bring additional equipment into the building at 1234 Valley Lake Drive. Larry Shapiro photo

The fire unit was n the rear (west side) of the building on the fourth floor. Larry Shapiro photo

Investigators examine the fire unit before firefighters complete the extensive overhaul. Larry Shapiro photo

Firefighters rest on a 7th floor balcony after completing a secondary search of the units. Larry Shapiro photo

Two firefighters are assigned to the command post with the incident commander. Firefighters from mutual aid companies await an assignment after arriving on the scene. Larry Shapiro photo

Schaumburg Engine 54 with lines charging the standpipe system. Larry Shapiro photo

The building suffered a broken water pipe which began flooding parts of both the interior and exterior areas near the pump room. Larry Shapiro photo

Schaumburg and mutual aid ambulances staged in a lot next to the fire building. Larry Shapiro photo

Mutual aid companies with trucks were Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Itasca, and Mount Prospect. Engines came from Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Palatine Rural, Buffalo Grove, Barrington, and Bloomingdale. Carol Stream was due with their two-piece squad company and ambulances on the scene were from Hoffman Estates, Arlington Heights, Roselle, Bensenville, Wheeling, and Glenside. Chief officers responded from Arlington Heights, Palatine Rural, and Itasca.

Box alarm and 2nd alarm companies are staged on Valley Lake Drive. Larry Shapiro photo

The officer from Engine 51 returns a high-rise pack to the engine. Larry Shapiro photo

Firefighters from Schaumburg Truck 52 check their gear after coming out of the building. Larry Shapiro photo

The Chicago Tribune has an article HERE.

One woman who suffered second-degree burns on her chest was taken to St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates from the apartment where the fire started, Anderson said. The woman, age 85, was considered in critical condition and later transferred toLoyola University Medical Center for further treatment because of the severity of her injuries, said Schaumburg Battalion Chief John Steele.

Firefighters found heavy smoke on the fourth floor, but were able to keep the fire from spreading to the fifth floor, Anderson said. The fire started in the bedroom of to the injured woman’s apartment, and was largely confined to the apartment, but the fourth floor was damaged enough that residents in the 15 apartments there would not be able to return today, and were being helped with housing by the Red Cross, Anderson said.

Larry has more images which can be viewed in a gallery HERE.

Radioman911.com has the radio traffic.

Radioman911.com recording including Schaumburg FD dispatch/fireground plus IFERN and mutual aid dispatches in two parts:

Watch live video from Radioman 911 on Justin.tv

Radioman911.com St. Charles Feed Recording with Schaumburg FD Dispatch/Fireground only, also in two parts:

Watch live video from St. Charles Feed on Justin.tv

Tags: 1 injured in apartment fire in Schaumburg, apartment building fire, fireground radio traffic, high rise fire on Valley Lake Drive in Schaumburg, High-rise fire, Larry Shapiro, radioman 911, Schaumburg apartment fire, Schaumburg Fire Department, woman burned in Schaumburg apartment fire

Chicago high-rise fire with fatality

Jan 8

Posted by bgshap in Fire Department News | Comments off

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that:

A woman died after getting stuck in an elevator during a high-rise apartment fire that also injured nine others in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood early Sunday morning, according to authorities.

Firefighters were called to the 21-story building on the 3100 block of North Lake Shore Drive about 2 a.m., said Fire Department Chief Joe Roccasalva, a department spokesman.

Firefighters found the woman in an elevator on the 12th floor. The doors were open.

The fire originated in a 12th-floor apartment separate from where the woman lived but hot fumes and smoke poured from the apartment into the hallway and the rest of the building because the unit’s door was open, Roccasalva said.

The complete article with photos and video can be found HERE.

Firegeezer.com has an article HERE.

ONE PERSON WAS KILLED AND NINE OTHERS injured, including two firefighters, in a Chicago high-rise fire. The alarm went out at 2:04 am Central this morning (Sunday) and brought 150 firefighters to the 21-story building.

Tags: 1 dead in Chicago apartment building fire, Chicago Fire Department high rise apartment fire, High-rise fire, woman dies in elevator of Lake Shore Drive building

Three freight trains collide and derail in Northwest Indiana – update

Jan 7

Posted by bgshap in Reader submission, Train Crash | Comments off

The cleanup has begun at the site of the train collision and derailment in Northwest Indiana which occurred yesterday. Tim Olk visited the crash site today and submitted a few images of the scene.

train crash and derailment in Porter County IN

After clearing sections of track, heavy equipment moves in to clear the containers and cars from the crash site. Tim Olk photo

The recovery company is utilizing a private farm to stage their equipment and the damaged rail cars prior to removal or demolition. Tim Olk photo

A rail car behind an engine burns at the crash site as workers assemble to remove the debris and rebuild the track. Tim Olk photo

Tim has a large gallery HERE with more images.

Tags: burning rail car, derailed train cars, fire from train collision, freight train collision in Indiana, Tim Olk, train accident, train crash, train derailment

Three freight trains collide and derail in Northwest Indiana

Jan 6

Posted by bgshap in Fire Service News | Comments off

The Chicago Tribune has an article HERE about a collision which eventually involved three separate freight trains in Porter County, Indiana. Early reports are incomplete but mention fires, minor injuries to the crew, and many cars derailed.

Three freight trains collided in Porter County, Ind. this afternoon, according to sheriff’s authorities.

The trains crashed at 1:18 p.m. in Porter County, 600 north and 500 east, northeast Valparaiso, according to Porter County Sheriff’s spokeswoman Lynn Williams.

The accident involved a collision, derailment, fire and possible chemical spill, according to officials.

As of 3 p.m. firefighters were still trying to extinguish the subsequent fire that erupted.

WGN TV has a live video feed which can be viewed HERE.

Tags: fire from train collision, freight train collision in Indiana, train derailment

Buffalo Grove welcomes returning soldier

Jan 6

Posted by bgshap in Fire Department News | Comments off

The Buffalo Grove Fire and Police Departments helped the Patriot Guard Riders welcome a soldier home from Afghanistan Thursday evening. Airman Ben Rosengarden had a dinner in his honor at the Village Bar & Grill in Buffalo Grove and the fire department had several units their to honor his service. Buffalo Grove and Deerfield police officers escorted the group from Deerfield to the site in Buffalo Grove along with a contingent from the Patriot Guard Riders.