This from Larry Shapiro:
Wheeling firefighters were called to a commercial laundry at 45 W. Hintz around 7PM for a reported fire in the building. The first engine reported a large industrial building with an evacuation but nothing showing. Employees said there was a fire in the building and upon entry they found a machine fire roughly 500 feet into the structure. Some fire was reported along the exhaust stack on the roof prompting an upgrade to a Code 4 for the working fire. The fire was extinguished though with the companies from the initial alarm. The Division 1 MVU (housed in Wheeling) was brought tot he scene to clear the smoke from the building.
Here are a few images and a short video. More photos are at shapirophotography.net.
Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
#1 by Larry on November 5, 2015 - 12:09 PM
Wheeling I believe has a Rosenbauer that is 6 or 7 years old that runs alot when the current T-24 is down. I heard its been a good unit for them. Plus I think the Wheeling pumpers run more then you think. I wonder which pumper is going into Reserve?
#2 by Bill Post on November 5, 2015 - 11:27 AM
Yes and Highland Park runs with a Sutphen 104-ft mid-mount straight ladder as well. I also remember that Northbrook had a Sutphen aerial tower in the 1970’s. It would be interesting to see if any of the fire departments that have Sutphen apparatus (in the area) buy Sutphen apparatus when it’s time to replace them.
Sutphen apparatus did have a good reputation and at one time all of Wheeling’s engine were Sutphens as is their current reserve engine however it looks like it will also be replaced when they get their new engine delivered. As they really don’t get alot of fires I would’t be surprised if it’s in good shape considering that it’s not even 20 years old. In many towns a rig like that would still be in frontline service. There is no question that Wheeling does always buy quality apparatus. I would be interested to see how the Rosenbauer rigs work out as Rosenbauer is still relatively new to the North American market.
I wonder how far they are along with Chicago’s new and long awaited Snorkel Squads. When we finally get them (whenever that is) that should really be a trial by fire (pun intended) considering the running that Chicago’s squads do like Squad 5.
#3 by Matt on November 5, 2015 - 9:44 AM
Mundelein has a 75′ Sutphen Ladder. Elwood has a Sutphen platform as well.
They are not cheap apparatus but their ladders are very strong and will hold up for a long time.
#4 by Harvard Dan on November 4, 2015 - 8:52 AM
Harvard has a Sutphen tower as well.
#5 by Brian on November 4, 2015 - 12:02 AM
Dolton and Flossmoor still have sutphen towers
#6 by mike on November 4, 2015 - 6:32 AM
Cary also has a sutphen tower
#7 by Bill Post on November 3, 2015 - 9:58 PM
Those were good shots and a very interesting video of Division One’s MVU operating. Another shot that you don’t see often (if at all) in this area is a Sutphen aerial tower in operation. This type of shot won’t be very common in the future as I understand the replacement that Wheeling ordered for Tower Ladder 24 is not a Sutphen.