Chicago had a 2-11 Alarm fire today at 1034 S. Kostner. The building consisted of a five-story section with a one-story area in the rear. Workers were disconnecting a storage tank in the basement which contained some sort of glue which ignited. The building began filling with smoke, and when companies determined what it was and that it was in the basement, everyone was ordered out and a PAR was conducted.
A Haz Mat Level I was requested along with the 2-11. 9-2-3, the MVU housed with Engine 106 was special called as was 8-8-11, the Mobile Oxygen Bus. There wasn’t any fire to see but lots of black smoke being pushed out of the building by the large fan.
Larry Shapiro and TIm Olk were at the scene. Some images are below.
Black smoke is forced out of the building from the MVU. Larry Shapiro photo
Chicago’s reserve squad, lettered for the Chicago Fire tv show was in service for Squad 2. Larry Shapiro photo
THe smoke covered everything and everyone. Black smoke is forced out of the building from the MVU. Larry Shapiro photo
Black smoke is forced out of the building from the MVU. Larry Shapiro photo
Black smoke is forced out of the building from the MVU. Larry Shapiro photo
Another dirty face after working inside. Black smoke is forced out of the building from the MVU. Larry Shapiro photo
Squad 2 member after working in the building. Black smoke is forced out of the building from the MVU. Larry Shapiro photo
No shortage of dirty faces at this fire. Black smoke is forced out of the building from the MVU. Larry Shapiro photo
A fireman enters the Oxygen Therapy Bus. Larry Shapiro photo
Black smoke is forced out of the building from the MVU. Larry Shapiro photo
Engine 107 on a hydrant. Larry Shapiro photo
Oxygen Therapy Bus 8-8-11 at the scene. Larry Shapiro photo
CFD MVU 9-2-3 working at the scene. Larry Shapiro photo
Larry has a large gallery with image HERE.
Tim has a large gallery with images HERE.
#1 by NJ on October 2, 2013 - 10:31 AM
As has been stated, this was a CTA bus given to CFD and is really part of EMS (which is colored white). All new FD apparatus is being painted in the traditional colors, most recently 6-7-3 and 6-7-6.
This is a non issue as far as cost etc.
#2 by o. morgan on October 2, 2013 - 7:52 AM
Agree with Drew. With todays quality of reflective materials, ie: striping, decals and letters, basic white is the least expensive. With the reality of todays economy, the days of shinny chrome and gold leaf are things of the past. That said however, I am a big tradition nut and red/black paint with red and green lighting is beautiful!
#3 by Crabby Milton on September 29, 2013 - 12:14 PM
You’re spending 6 figures + on new equipment, you may as well have it look decent and in the colors that are traditional. I would imagine that some departments have their apparatus painted the same color as the garbage, and snow plow trucks. Not that I’m disrespecting anyone but most garbage collectors don’t care what the truck looks like so long as it works. Even though I’m not employed by the fire service, people know I have been a fire truck nut for decades and they ask me why a fire department can spend money on a custom chassis rig when a commercial chassis is less expensive. I tell them that those chassis are purpose built and hold up much better than a commercial chassis even it they do look much nicer.
#4 by steve on September 27, 2013 - 7:13 PM
It’s an old CTA bus that was given to the fire department. That’s why it’s white.
#5 by tom sullivan on September 27, 2013 - 5:18 PM
a possibility for white support apparatus: ambos, rehab rigs, oxy buss, command vans, etc. is that the white reflects away sunlight, making it cooler, less work on a/c systems.
in the navy we had the upper half of our p-3 patrol aircraft painted white for that reason. they were loaded with electronic equipment.
and yes I agree that the black over red cfd color scheme should be used whenever possible / practical. (and red & green running lights !!)
#6 by Bob on September 27, 2013 - 3:46 PM
8-8-11 is an oxegen therapy bus. It is part of the Emergency Medical Services, hence the CFD Ambulance looking scheme.
#7 by David on September 27, 2013 - 1:55 PM
@ sebastian: Well I guess it’s not the most important thing in the world but I think it does matter. Simply because the black/red paint scheme is something which makes the CFD rigs stand out. Not that there aren’t lots of other departments using this color scheme already, but it’s a CFD thing. And second – what’s the matter that nobody cares about the look of the rigs now. In the past the departments used to compete between each other to display the most beautifully decorated vehicle, now you just hear “does it really mater…”. Well I don’t wanna ugly rigs I want a sharp looking ones. NO more white CFD rigs:))
#8 by sebastian on September 27, 2013 - 1:08 PM
does it really matter what it looks like??? as long as it does its job that all that matters
#9 by Drew Smith on September 27, 2013 - 10:20 AM
I could only guess and say to save money. You can’t paint anything cheaper than white. Paint it white and add decals/striping and you are done. Not the sharpest but it is the cheapest and easiest way to go. I love red but if they got this from the CTA it was probably already white.
#10 by David on September 27, 2013 - 6:43 AM
Just wondering 8-8-11 is running with this white rig, the new 8-8-12 is running with a black/red bus. Anybody knows why are they using this horrible looking white color for some of the special apparatus (also the rehab rigs and a few others) instead of the classic black/red?! I think that the rigs would look way better in the traditional colors. Just my opinion.
#11 by Dennis on September 26, 2013 - 3:20 PM
8-8-11 is with Engine 107
#12 by Mike Mc on September 26, 2013 - 12:57 PM
Engine 44 at kedzie and Kinzie per the latest info.
#13 by danny on September 26, 2013 - 3:36 AM
where is 8-8-11 stationed now