This from John Tulipano:

At approximately 05:40 on January 5th, St Charles was dispatched for smoke in the building at 828 S. 3rd. Companies found a fire in the basement. A box alarm and then 2nd alarm were called.

The building collapsed prior to my arrival and companies were in a defensive mode when I arrived using 1-ladder pipe, 1-deck gun and 7-handlines.

John Tulipano

firemen with hose lines at winter fire scene

John Tulipano photo

firemen with hose lines at winter fire scene

John Tulipano photo

firemen with hose lines at winter fire scene

John Tulipano photo

firemen with hose lines at winter fire scene

John Tulipano photo

aerial ladder truck working at winter fire scene

John Tulipano photo

firemen with hose lines at winter fire scene

John Tulipano photo

firemen with hose lines at winter fire scene

John Tulipano photo

fire engine with hose lines at winter fire scene

John Tulipano photo

Pierce fire engine at winter fire scene

John Tulipano photo

More images are HERE:

**Apologies from the webmaster for this late post being … lost in the queue