Archive for April 3rd, 2012

Robbins 2nd Alarm fire 4-1-12 (part 2)

More from Dennis McGuire, Jr.

Large tire fire in Robbins IL 4-2-12

While waiting for a water supply to be established, an officer from Garden Homes observes the intense fire and the daunting task that lies ahead in knocking it down. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

 

Large tire fire in Robbins IL 4-2-12

Another image showing the substantial fire that was facing firefighters. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

Large tire fire in Robbins IL 4-2-12 Hazel Crest Fire Department Pierce Skyboom

Hazel Crest Engine 1226 deployed the master stream from the Skyboom aerial. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

Large tire fire in Robbins IL 4-2-12

Firefighters making a hit on the fire. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

Large tire fire in Robbins IL 4-2-12 Dixmoor Fire Department engine

Dixmoor Engine 33 is pumping after receiving a continuous water supply. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

Large tire fire in Robbins IL 4-2-12

Heavy fire continues to burn as companies work to control it. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

Large tire fire in Robbins IL 4-2-12

Another foam line is used to combat the intense fire. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

A front end loader was brought in to gain access to the pile of tires that was surrounded by the cars.
Large tire fire in Robbins IL 4-2-12

An end loader works to clear a path for firefighters to get at the remaining hot spots. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

It took companies 3 hours to bring the fire under control.
Large tire fire in Robbins IL 4-2-12

Part of the fire was on the opposite side of a creek which hampered the efforts of firefighters. Here, the Robbins tower ladder gets water on that fire across the creek that ran along the south end of the fire. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

Here is a list of most departments that were on-scene:
Robbins
Blue Island
Merrionette Park
Garden Homes FPD
Frankfort
Northwest Homer FPD
Posen
Crestwood
Midlothian
Flossmoor
Phoenix
Dixmoor
Hazel Crest
Oak Forest

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Robbins 2nd Alarm Fire 4-1-12 (part 1)

From Dennis McGuire, Jr:

 

Large tire fire in Robbins IL 4-2-12

A large field of tires and cars burns in Robbins, IL on April 2nd. Dennis McGuire, Jr Photo

 A 2nd alarm fire last night for the large tire and car pile in a junk yard. A police officer was on patrol and noticed heavy smoke in the area of 137th St. and Kedzie Ave. Robbins was toned out, with the first engine on-scene reporting a fire, I arrived shortly after the first engine.

Large tire fire in Robbins IL 4-2-12

A Dixmoor Captain surveys the blaze. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

From Dennis McGuire, Jr:

At three different locations on the fireground, 1,000' of 4" supply line has been dropped to supply water to the engines. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

An area of approx. 200×100 of nothing but tires, car parts, and cars was burning. Due to a major water problem, a tanker request was made with departments such as Frankfort, Northwest Homer, and Flossmoor arriving to fill the Dixmoor engine that was at the main body of fire. A request for a hose wagon from Chicago was made, which included 6-1-1, Engine 81, and 2-2-6, but they were held up en-route.
Large tire fire in Robbins IL 4-2-12 Robbins Fire Department tower ladder

The Robbins Tower Ladder getting ready to work. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

From Dennis McGuire, Jr:

The Robbins Tower Ladder can be seen in the background hitting the fire with an elevated master stream. Dennis McGuire, Jr.

From Dennis McGuire, Jr:

Nothing but cars and tires burning freely in the scrap yard. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

Large tire fire in Robbins IL 4-2-12

A Garden Homes firefighter prepares to hit the fire with foam. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

Large tire fire in Robbins IL 4-2-12

The Dixmoor engine awaits a secure water supply from area tankers. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

Large tire fire in Robbins IL 4-2-12 fighting fire with foam

A firefighter uses a hand line to apply foam on the fire. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

 

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Room Fire in Long Grove 4-3-12

The Long Grove Fire Protection District responded to a report of smoke in the building this morning at 2328 Nichols Road. First-in companies reported light smoke and found a fire in the rear storage room. The fire was extinguished within 10 minutes after filling the entire three-floor building with smoke. Mutual aid on the alarm included engines from Palatine, Palatine Rural, and Lake Zurich. Buffalo Grove Tower 25 was the truck company and ambulances came from Wheeling and Barrington.

small fire at 2328 Nichols Road 4-3-12 Long Grove Fire Protection District

Buffalo Grove Tower 25 and Long Grove Squad 55 were in front of the building. Larry Shapiro photo

small fire at 2328 Nichols Road 4-3-12 Long Grove Fire Protection District

Squad 55 had one line off. Larry Shapiro photo

small fire at 2328 Nichols Road 4-3-12 Long Grove Fire Protection District

The fire was in the rear of the first floor at this three-story building. Larry Shapiro photo

small fire at 2328 Nichols Road 4-3-12 Long Grove Fire Protection District

Long Grove Tanker 55 was on a hydrant supplying the squad. Larry Shapiro photo

small fire at 2328 Nichols Road 4-3-12 Long Grove Fire Protection District

Buffalo Grove Tower 25 is running with the reserve apparatus. Larry Shapiro photo

 

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CFD Apparatus History – Ward LaFrance (1969)

Chicago received two Ward LaFrance engines in 1969. Both Model P80 units had 1,000-GPM pumps and 500-gallon water tanks. One was assigned to Engine 45 (D-347) and the other to Engine 83 (D-358). Engine 83’s unit was later assigned as a spare R-2.

Chicago Fire Department 1969 Ward LaFrance Model P80 Ambassador engine 83

Chicago Engine 83 was assigned a 1969 Ward LaFrance Model P80 engine with an Ambassador cab. One of only two units built in 1969 for the city. Jack Connors photo

This engine featured a cab that was similar to the 1,000-GPM engine purchased in 1967 without the extended bumper, and no floodlights were on this series. Unlike the 1967 unit though, these  had a bell mounted under the officer’s windshield and a siren in the center of the cab’s face.

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