This from Larry Shapiro for #TBT:
Going all the way back to 2020, these 7 E-ONE pumpers were delivered to Chicago during the early Covid era when the streets were empty.
Seven new E-ONE pumpers for Chicago in 2020. Larry Shapiro photo
Chicago FD Engine 127 – 2020 E-ONE Cylcone pumper. Larry Shapiro photo
Aug 23
Excerpts from nbchchicago.com:
The Chicago Fire Department says it is taking steps to prepare for scorching-hot temperatures in the city, activating additional resources to keep residents and firefighters safe.
All fire calls received by dispatchers on Wednesday and Thursday will automatically be elevated to ensure that there are adequate crews on scene, to ensure plenty of rest and recuperation for firefighters on a scene.
More ambulances will be activated during the heat wave to help respond to heat-related issues in the city.
Finally, fire officials offered tips for residents to stay safe, including asking children not to play in fire hydrant spray, as it could pose safety concerns for the children and for passing motorists.
Residents are also urged to call 311 if they need information on cooling centers, or if they need to request well-being checks for neighbors.
thanks Martin
Excerpts from abc7chicago.com:
Chicago firefighters responded to an extra-alarm fire at a grocery store in the Chinatown neighborhood Wednesday morning.
The fire broke out at about 3:30 a.m. in the Park To Shop grocery store in the 2100-block of South Archer Avenue.
There were no reports of any firefighters suffering from heat fatigue and no injuries have been reported.
The fire department had trouble putting out the fire due to the building’s concrete roof.
The Chicago Building Department was called in to help open up walls to gain access.
At about 6:45 a.m., CFD said the fire was struck out. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
More from Larry Shapiro on the 2-11 Alarm high-rise fire in Chicago, 8-18-23:
Some apparatus shots from the scene
Chicago FD Tower Ladder 21
Chicago FD Engine 55
Chicago FD Ambulance 6
Chicago FD Squad 1
This from Larry Shapiro:
Here are some images from the 2-11 Hi-rise fire at 421 W Melrose in Chicago yesterday (8/18/23). I arrived as the 2-11 was requested.
aftermath of a high-rise fire in Chicago
scene of a high-rise fire in Chicago
Chicago FD Engine 78 on scene
Chicago FD Engine 78 on scene
Chicago FD press briefing at fire scene
Aug 13
Excerpts from abc7chicago.com:
A Chicago firefighter who was seriously injured in a house fire Friday near O’Hare Airport continues to recover at a hospital.
One firefighter was transported to a hospital in critical condition and two others were in fair condition. Two of the firefighters were in the basement of the home, including the most seriously injured, but it was not clear if they went down there or fell through the floor. The more seriously injured firefighter was transferred to Loyola Medical Center for further treatment where he is listed in serious condition. CFD has not identified him by name, but said he’s been with the department since the 1990s.
The fire was in a home in the 8300 block of West Balmoral near the airport.
Everyone in the home did make it out safely, officials said. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Excerpts from abc7chicago.com:
A fire broke out at a residential building on the city’s Northwest Side Tuesday morning, injuring two firefighters that were taken to a hospital in good condition.
Firefighters responded to the fire at a four-unit duplex around 11:00 a.m. in the 1700 block of North Monticello Avenue, in the Humboldt Park neighborhood.
Excerpts from wgntv.com:
The Chicago Fire Department Foundation is teaming up with local food pantries to get working smoke detectors to people who need them.
The program launched two years ago and is now working with eight local food pantries to get more smoke detectors in homes.
Nourishing Hope fights food insecurity in Chicago and provides the equivalent of four million meals every year. The non-profit recently gave out 500 smoke detectors in less than a month through their online market.
In 2022, the program distributed 3,000 free smoke detectors through pantries. The fire department foundation says this year, it will surpass that number to help meet the critical needs of sustenance and safety.
Excerpts from wgntv.com:
The death of an off-duty Chicago firefighter who died Sunday while swimming has been ruled an accidental drowning.
The firefighter, identified as 43-year-old Wilbert Hayes, was swimming with his family in Lake Michigan after his shift when the incident occurred.
According to the Chicago Fire Department, Hayes’ death will be considered an “off-duty accidental death of an active-duty member.”
Visitation and funeral services have been set for the fallen firefighter.
Visitation for Hayes will be held Wednesday, Aug. 9 at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, located at 17W201 Roosevelt Road, in Oak Brook Terrace.
click to download
For the finest department portraits and composites contact Tim Olk or Larry Shapiro.
