More on the 2-11 Alarm fire at 10 E. Cermak (12-31-14) from Steve Redick:

The fire apparently originated in the kitchen area of a restaurant and spread into the ductwork and in an inaccessible cockloft area. This became an external operation relatively quickly. 2 tower ladders, a Snorkel and a few handlines operated in what turned into a several hour operation in single digit temps. There were several occupancies involved and the elevated CTA staiton and tracks were right adjacent to the rear of the fire building. The transit operation was shut down and the newly remodeled station looked like it got smoked up pretty good. A very large billboard sign was also a major collapse concern throughout the operation as the anchor and support for the sign was attached to the roof of the fire building.

Steve

night fire scene in Chicago

Steve Redick photo

night fire scene in Chicago

Steve Redick photo

night fire scene in Chicago

Steve Redick photo

night fire scene in Chicago

Steve Redick photo

night fire scene in Chicago

Steve Redick photo

night fire scene in Chicago

Steve Redick photo

night fire scene in Chicago

Steve Redick photo

night fire scene in Chicago

Steve Redick photo

night fire scene in Chicago

Steve Redick photo

All the images can be seen on my website www.ksc711.smugmug.com