This is the first of what will be several posts on this fire:

Wilmette companies responded to an automatic fire alarm at the Woman’s Club of Wilmette, 930 Greenleaf Avenue around 10AM this morning (2/17/15). Upon rounding the corner, smoke was visible through the roof and the alarm was upgraded to a Code 4 (working fire).

The occupants were out of the building when the fire department arrived and made an initial interior attack before being forced to withdraw. The alarm was upgraded to a Box Alarm for additional companies.

Four aerial master streams were operating; Wilmette Tower 26, Northbrook Tower 12, Evanston Truck 23, and Morton Grove Quint 4. Engines pumping included Wilmette Engine 27 and Winnetka Engine 28. Other units at the scene were engines from Lincolnwood, and Glenview, trucks from Northfield and Des Plaines, a Skokie squad, both Wilmette ambulances, the Mess Canteen, MABAS Division 3 Comm 3, and several chief officers.

Here are a few images from Larry Shapiro. Also at the scene were Tim Olk and Jeff Rudolph.

E-ONE tower ladder as big flames burning through the roof

Larry Shapiro photo

E-ONE tower ladder as big flames burning through the roof

Larry Shapiro photo

big flames burning through the roof

Larry Shapiro photo

big flames burning through the roof

Larry Shapiro photo

big flames burning through the roof

Larry Shapiro photo

E-ONE tower ladder as big flames burning through the roof

Larry Shapiro photo

E-ONE tower ladder as big flames burning through the roof

Larry Shapiro photo

Smeal quint as big flames burning through the roof

Larry Shapiro photo

Pierce aerial ladder truck as big flames burning through the roof

Larry Shapiro photo

firemen coated with ice at fire scene

Larry Shapiro photo

big flames burning through the roof

Larry Shapiro photo