May 25
There have been several long overdue updates made to CFD houses on the website:
thanks to all that have provided images and information that helps to keep the site accurate
Jack Connors informs us that Truck 56 has received their new Spartan Gladiator/Crimson 103′ aerial.
Sep 13
Chicago Trucks 56 and 62 were heard on the radio today going to the academy for training on their new apparatus.
Chicago firefighters responded to a fire in a mattress store at 6019 N. Lincoln Avenue Friday night and fought a relatively small interior fire. The building had a bow string truss roof but the fire did not extend past the ceiling. The strip center where this fire occurred was the site of a previous fire a number of years ago. Upon checking for extension in the neighboring property, firefighters found charring from a previous fire along the rafters.
Truck 56 had their main to the roof, and since they are due to take delivery of a 2010 Spartan/Crimson 103′ aerial to replace their Seagrave 100′ aerial, this might play out to be the last fire for this rig before it heads to the spare fleet.
Larry Shapiro arrived as the Still & Box was struck out and took a few images of the scene. A small gallery can be viewed HERE.
Chicago Truck 56 was the first truck to the Still & Box on Lincoln Avenue. Since they are due to receive a brand new unit, this may be the last fire for the Seagrave unit. Larry Shapiro photo
Although not visible from the outside at night, this strip center has a bow string truss roof. The fire was contained to the interior before it was able to weaken the roof supports. Larry Shapiro photo
Command Van 2-7-1 was running with this spare unit (G513) last night. Larry Shapiro photo
Most of the visible damage to the interior of the store and the merchandise is from heat and smoke. The fire was located in the rear of the building. Larry Shapiro photo
The building sustained a previous fire some years ago as indicated by the charring on the rafters that was discovered in the adjoining unit while firefighters were checking for extension. Larry Shapiro photo
The fifth new Spartan/Crimson 103′ rear mount aerial in Chicago will be assigned to Truck 59. That makes Truck Companies 9, 31, 51, 56, & 59 the recipients of the five aerials that have been delivered to date. Each of these companies currently runs with a 1996 Seagrave except Truck 51, which has a 1995 Seagrave, the oldest ladder in front line service in Chicago. After these new rigs go into service, there will be two remaining 1996 Seagrave trucks that are assigned to Trucks 61 and 62.
As a side note, there are three 1996 HME 1871/Simon-LTI 100′ tower ladders currently assigned to Tower 21, Tower 37, and Tower 39. Due to an accident with their 2002 Pierce Dash Tower Ladder, Tower 34 is running again with their 1988 E-ONE Hurricane 95′ tower ladder.
Chicago Truck 59 and Truck 31 at the Quinn Fire Academy yesterday. All three shifts of the five companies receiving the new Spartan/Crimson aerials are rotating through the academy to receive training on the new apparatus before getting the rigs. Steve Redick photo
The rear of Truck 31 shows that all ground ladder storage is within the center of the truck. A first for Chicago is full compartmentation on both sides of the rigs. Steve Redick photo
We have additional information that the 4th new Spartan/Crimson 103′ aerial will be assigned to Truck 56. We have images of two of the new trucks without company numbers applied – these are E337 & E338, both of which are designated as ALS companies.
New Chicago Spartan/Crimson 103' aerial awaiting assignment carrying shop number E337.
New Chicago Spartan/Crimson 103' RM ALS truck (#E338) awaiting assignment.
Chicago aerials E337 & E338 prior to receiving their assignments for service.
For the finest department portraits and composites contact Tim Olk or Larry Shapiro.
