This from Steve Redick:
Here’s a classic old CFD image. Back in the early 70’s the late fire service author Paul Ditzel was authoring a new book on the history of firefighting. He spent several days with the CFD photo unit going over images to use. I was one lucky firefan because besides spending time with him in the photo unit I got to keep most of the photos that were printed up for the book. This is one of them. No location or date info on it, but Snorkel 5 is the rig we see with the boom up, another Snorkel is either moving or setting up … can’t tell who though … and those with really sharp eyes can make out a big gun working either from a squad or most likely a pressure wagon. A great photo to have in my collection and to share with you.Can someone come up with any info on this fire?
Steve
photographer unknown
#1 by Chris on November 14, 2014 - 4:23 PM
Paul Ditzel has been called “The Dean of American Fire Writers.” He was truly one of the greats! When did he pass?
#2 by David on November 14, 2014 - 10:22 AM
Steve keep them coming, just the kind of stuff which could be seen more often at this site. Thanks for sharing this photo!
#3 by spoung45 on November 14, 2014 - 8:58 AM
Also looks like a stream of another snorkel is going too.
#4 by DMc77 on November 14, 2014 - 12:57 AM
The place next door, Coopers Used Furniture used to have a store at 19th/Halsted, which would correspond to the Pilsen address Steve provided. I could see them moving a few blocks over time to stay in the same neighborhood
#5 by Bill Post on November 14, 2014 - 12:37 AM
Steve you may be off by year as another similar photo of the same fire was on the Cover of the Chicago Fire Departments 1965 annual report.
Perhaps the fire was from January 1965?
The water that was coming from a deck gun was from a Squad company or a former High Pressure Wagon that was being used as a Spare Squad as the last High Pressure Wagon was officially taken out of service on November 16th 1964. Unless the photo was taken before that.
#6 by Steve Redick on November 13, 2014 - 5:30 PM
January 24, 1966
5-11 & 2 Specials 729 W 14th St.