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Posts Tagged HME

Box Alarm in Burnham 4-30

May 1

Posted by bgshap in Apparatus on-scene, Fire, Fire Department News, Fire Service News, Reader submission | No Comments

The Burnham Fire Department received calls yesterday reporting a fire in a 3-story apartment building at 14000 S. Torrence Avenue. First arriving companies found heavy smoke on the first floor and upgraded the alarm to a MABAS Box Alarm. Mutual aid companies from several neighboring departments responded including Calumet City, Dolton, South Holland, and Munster Indiana. The fire was knocked down in fairly short order and no injuries were reported.

Tim Olk took in the fire, and though he arrived after the fire was put out, he submitted several images of the scene and the apparatus that responded.

Burnham Box Alarm at 14000 S Torrence 4-30-11

Firefighters relax after knocking down an apartment fire on Saturday at 14000 S Torrence Avenue. Tim Olk photo

Burnham Box Alarm at 14000 S Torrence 4-30-11

Calumet City Truck 309 was positioned in the 'A' Sector and supported hand lines. Tim Olk photo

Burnham Box Alarm at 14000 S Torrence 4-30-11

Burnham Engine 2014, a 2007 HME Ahrens Fox was the first engine on the scene. Tim Olk photo

Burnham Box Alarm at 14000 S Torrence 4-30-11

South Holland Engine 665, built by Smeal on an HME chassis was due to assist Burnham. Tim Olk photo

Burnham Box Alarm at 14000 S Torrence 4-30-11

Burnham Engine 2016, a 1996 HME SFO Luverne was staged down the street from the fire building. Tim Olk photo

Burnham Box Alarm at 14000 S Torrence 4-30-11

The Munster Indiana Fire Department is a member of MABAS Division 24 and was due on the Box with their Truck 2221, an American LaFrance/LTI tower ladder. Tim Olk photo

Burnham Box Alarm at 14000 S Torrence 4-30-11

The Third District Fire Chief's Association canteen unit was on the scene to assist with rehab. Tim Olk photo

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FDIC 2011 highlights

Mar 26

Posted by bgshap in Fire Service News, New Delivery | 4 Comments

FDIC 2011

An overview of the stadium exhibits. Many of the apparatus exhibitors moved into the new convention center this year. Larry Shapiro photo

The 2011 Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) just ended. The convention center was filled with exhibitors who displayed everything from fire apparatus and gear to shirts and trinkets. There were two local area rigs on display this year. A  Medtec Type III ambulance for Algonquin-Lake in the Hills was in the Pierce booth and a Cyclone II 95-foot rear mount tower ladder for University Park was in the E-ONE booth.

FDIC 2011 Algonquin Fire Department Medtec ambulance

Algonquin-Lake in the Hills had a Medtec ambulance in the Pierce booth at the FDIC in Indianapolis. Larry Shapiro photo

FDIC 2011 University Park Fire Department E-ONE tower ladder

This new tower ladder for University Park was in the E-ONE booth. Larry Shapiro photo

Other interesting apparatus displayed included four pieces for the FDNY including a Wheeled Coach ambulance on a four-door Ford chassis, an engine in the Seagrave booth, plus Rescue 4 and Ladder 137 in the Ferrara booth.

FDIC 2011 Seagrave FDNY

Seagrave displayed FDNY Engine 222. Larry Shapiro

FDIC 2011 Ferrara FDNY R4

Ferrara had FDNY Rescue 4 from Queens in their booth. Larry Shapiro photo

FDIC 2011 Ferrara FDNY L137

Ferrara also had FDNY Ladder 137 on dispkay. Larry Shapiro photo

Crimson had a tandem axle rescue for Elizabeth, NJ, KME had a tiller for Norwalk, CT, American LaFrance had a tiller for Ventura County, CA and HME had a Type III wildland pumper for CALFIRE.

FDIC 2011 Crimson Elizabeth Fire Department Rescue 1

This tandem axle heavy rescue for Elizabeth, NJ Rescue 1 was in the Crimson booth. Larry Shapiro photo

FDIC 2011 KME TDA Norwalk, CT

A tiller for Norwalk, CT was shown by KME. Larry Shapiro photo

FDIC 2011 American LaFrance LTI TDA Ventura County, CA

This LTI tiller for Ventura County, CA by American LaFrance was in the Lucas Oil Stadium. Larry Shapiro photo

FDIC 2011 HME CALFIRE Type III

HME brought a Type III engine from CALFIRE. Larry Shapiro photo

As regards new introductions:

Pierce showed the new Dash CF chassis under a PUC rescue pumper;

FDIC 2011 Pierce Dash CF PUC

One of two Pierce Dash CF units that were unveiled at the show. Larry Shapiro photo

FDIC 2011 Pierce tracked mini pumper

Pierce also showed this mini pumper on rubber tracks BP. Larry Shapiro photo

Rosenbauer introduced their Smart Cab enclosure for adding a crew area to units built on a commercial chassis;

FDIC 2011 Rosenbauer Smart Cab

Rosenbauer introduced the 'Smart Cab' enclosure for three firefighters on a commercial chassis. Larry Shapiro photo

FDIC 2011 Rosenbauer Smart Cab

The Smart Cab has a two-step unit which swings out with the door for easy egress and entrance to the crew enclosure along with an option for a full-lenght glass covered door. Larry Shapiro photo

KME brought out the Predator Pro Series (Pumper Rescue Operations) integrated pumper and a new 79-foot ladder;

FDIC 2011 KME Predator PRO

The KME Predator PRO is a rescue pumper on the new Predator chassis and features a short wheelbase and compact operator's panel. Larry Shapiro photo

FDIC 2011 KME 75' Aerial Cat

The new 76-foor Aerial Cat quint on a new Predator chassis was in the KME booth. Larry Shapiro photo

Crimson highlighted their new acquisition of Classic Fire and showed their ‘Transformer’ on a commercial chassis;

FDIC 2011 Crimson Fire Classic Series

Crimson had a min pumper in their new Classic Series which originates from their recent purchase of Classic Fire in Ocala, FL. Larry Shapiro photo

American LaFrance announced that they are now offering their Eagle custom chassis to other manufacturers and that the LTI aerials can also be purchased by others;

FDIC 2011 American LaFrance Eagle chassis

A 2010 emissions compliant Eagle cab and chassis was on display by American LaFrance. Larry Shapiro photo

E-ONE showed the eMAX pumper series with a narrow operator’s panel.

FDIC 2011 E-ONE EMAX

The E-ONE eMAX was shown on a Typhoon chassis. Larry Shapiro photo

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Stone Park Fire Department photo history

Mar 17

Posted by bgshap in Fire Department History, Fire Department News, LODD, updated listing | No Comments

Stone Park Fire Department photo history

Another photo history gallery has been added to the site. Stone Park, in MABAS Division 20 has a gallery HERE showing apparatus dating back to 1954. Their history is rich with Darley and E-ONE rigs, and a classic custom Pirsch.

Stone Park Fire Department photo history

One of their current engines was an emergency purchase to replace a 2002 HME/Darley engine that was damaged beyond repair in a traffic collision on April 27, 2004.  The accident involved the Stone Park engine and a Northlake engine, both of which were responding to an alarm. The collision resulted in the death of Jeffrey Bergstrom, a part-time firefighter for the Stone Park Fire Department. The Illinois Fire Service Institute Firefighter Record has a summary of the accident with scene photos. The article includes the following:

In addition to serving as a part-time firefighter and paramedic for the Stone Park Fire Department, Bergstrom was also a paramedic for Ambulance Company 44 of the Chicago Fire Department. Firefighters and paramedics from both departments joined firefighters from around the country in paying tribute to Bergstrom during a funeral procession through several Chicago suburbs and at a memorial service in Hillside, Illinois.

Stone Park Fire Department photo history

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Robbins has been added to the site

Jan 29

Posted by bgshap in Fire Department News, Fire Service News, New Listing | 2 Comments

The Robbins Fire Department in MABAS Division 22 has now been added to the site. Robbins has one station with four engines, a tower ladder, and a mini-pumper. The engines are from Darley, E-ONE, Fire-Max, and HME. The Darley is a former Orland engine and the E-ONE came from Riverside. They provide EMS first responders to assist Bud’s Ambulance Service who is contracted for ALS service to the community. The mini-pumper was built by Hammerly on a Dodge chassis (correction … a Ford chassis). This was formerly owned by a department somewhere on the East Coast (correction … by Libertyville, IL).

Robbins Fire Department station

The Robbins Fire Department station at 3327 W. 137th Street with Chicago style red doors, each featuring the company labels. Karl Klotz photo

Robbins Fire Department Engine 2923

Engine 2923 formerly saw service in Riverside, IL. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

Robbins Fire Department Engine 2913

This engine was originally built for the Orland Fire Protection District. It was part of an order of five units from Darley on Spartan Gladiator chassis. There were three engines, a 55-foot Snorkel, and a 100-foot LTI rear-mount tower ladder.Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

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Wauconda Box Alarm 1-22-11

Jan 22

Posted by bgshap in Apparatus on-scene, Fire Department News, Fire Service News | No Comments

The Wauconda Fire Department in MABAS Division 4 was called to the scene of a single-family house fire shortly after 1PM today at 1116 Madison Avenue. Companies found heavy fire in the garage of the structure that was communicating to the house and attic area. They upgraded the response to a MABAS Box Alarm bringing mutual aid from several departments. There was no one home at the time of the fire and though the garage sustained heavy damage to the roof and the vehicle parked inside was destroyed, damage to the main house was limited to the area directly behind the two-story garage.

Companies assisting at the fire were from Lake Zurich, Lake Villa, Nunda, Barrington, Round Lake, Mundelein, Countryside, and Long Grove.

Larry Shapiro took in the fire, but arrived after it was knocked down. Here are several images from the scene.

Wauconda Fire Department house fire Madison Ave Jan 22, 2011

Wauconda Engine 341 was the still engine to the fire at 1116 Madison Avenue and had three lines off. It is a 2009 HME/Ferrara Intruder. Larry Shapiro photo

Wauconda Fire Department house fire Madison Ave Jan 22, 2011

From the street it would appear that the window above the garage might have been a bedroom, when in fact there was no floor or buildout in that area. Larry Shapiro photo

Also, there was no second floor above the garage floor even though there was a fair sized window installed in the wall as is visible in this street image from Google Maps.

Wauconda Fire Department house fire Madison Ave Jan 22, 2011

The house at 1116 Madison Avenue in Wauconda prior to the fire as seen on Google Maps.

Several of the gusset plates securing the light-weight constructed roof trusses failed in the garage area.

Wauconda Fire Department house fire Madison Ave Jan 22, 2011

The roof trusses above the garage as seen from the driveway. Larry Shapiro photo

Wauconda Fire Department house fire Madison Ave Jan 22, 2011

A closeup view showing the gusset failures on the roof trusses. Larry Shapiro photo

Mutual aid companies were staged on Bonner Road.

Wauconda Fire Department house fire Madison Ave Jan 22, 2011

Round Lake, Mundelein, Countryside, and Long Grove apparatus is stage on Bonner Road. Larry Shapiro photo

Wauconda Fire Department house fire Madison Ave Jan 22, 2011

Wauconda firefighters hit hot spots in the garage during the overhaul phase. Larry Shapiro photo

Wauconda Fire Department house fire Madison Ave Jan 22, 2011 Nunda ambulance

Nunda FPD Ambulance 1351 is staged on Bonner Road. Larry Shapiro photo

Larry Shapiro has a gallery of images which can be seen HERE.

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Chciago Level 1 Haz Mat 1-10-11

Jan 10

Posted by bgshap in Apparatus on-scene, Fire Department News, Fire Service News, Reader submission | No Comments

There was a Level 1 Haz Mat at 204 N. Artesian (Artesian and Lake) today as well. People’s Gas was digging and struck a 4-inch medium-pressure gas line almost directly underneath the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Green Line running down Lake Street. Engine 26, Truck 7, Battalion 12, Squad 2, and 5-1-1 (Hazardous Incident Team) made the run. Engine 26 led out a 2.5″ as a precaution, and Battalion 12 had the CTA shut down the ‘EL’ as People’s Gas made a quick shut down of the leaking section of pipe.

Dan McInerney submitted the following images.

Chicago Level 1 Haz Mat January 10, 2011

This is an overview of the scene showing representatives from CFD, CPD, CTA and People's Gas. The CTA shutdown lasted approximately 15 minutes. Dan McInerney photo

Chicago Level 1 Haz Mat January 10, 2011 Chicago Battalion 12

Battalion 12 was the chief due on the Still Alarm for the gas leak today at 204 N. Artesian. Dan McInerney photo

Chicago Level 1 Haz Mat January 10, 2011

The company from Engine 26 stands by with a dry 2.5" line as a safety precaution. Dan McInerney photo

Chicago Level 1 Haz Mat January 10, 2011

Haz Mat unit 5-1-1 and Squad 2 (5-5-2) sit side-by-side under the elevated tracks on Lake Street. 5-1-1 is one of two 2003 American LaFrance Eagle/Rescue Master squads. Squad 2 is one of three 2000 HME/Central States squad units. Dan McInerney photo

Chicago Level 1 Haz Mat January 10, 2011 Chicago Engine 26

Engine 26 (D-615) is a one-of-a-kind 2003 Spartan Gladiator/Crimson engine. One of the unique elements of this unit is the red paint on the headlight bezels which is normally chromed. Dan McInerney photo

Chicago Level 1 Haz Mat January 10, 2011

This is one of the CTA EMergency Response Units. They run with red lights and sirens to any event city-wide that disrupts CTA service. Dan McInerney photo

Chicago Level 1 Haz Mat January 10, 2011 Truck 7

Chicago Truck 7, a 2002, Pierce Dash, 100' rear mount, medium duty aerial, is staged on Lake Street at the Level 1 Haz Mat incident today. Dan McInerney photo

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Lake Bluff 2-11 Alarm

Jan 3

Posted by bgshap in Apparatus on-scene, Fire, Fire Department News | 1 Comment

A fire was reported this morning in Lake Bluff and with a header visible from the fire station, the alarm was upgraded to a working fire prior to the arrival of the first unit. Companies arrived at 113 Woodland Avenue and reported heavy smoke from the structure. The fire was quickly elevated to a MABAS Box Alarm shortly thereafter. Lake Bluff was assisted by Knollwood and Lake Forest on the initial alarm, and companies from Highwood, Highland Park, North Chicago, Libertyville, Lincolnshire-Riverwoods, and Countryside were due on the box alarm. A 2nd Alarm was requested another 30 minutes later as fire broke through the roof. The older tudor home needed extensive overhaul which required several companies for relief.

Tim Olk was not too far away when the fire came in and made it to the scene just after the initial companies arrived. Jeff Rudolph also made it in and submitted several images. Tim’s images will be posted in an update.

Lake Bluff Fire Department 2-11 alarm fire Jan 3, 2011

Knollwood Truck 44 was the first-in truck. Knollwood and Lake Bluff respond together on most alarms. Jeff Rudolph photo

Lake Bluff Fire Department 2-11 alarm fire Jan 3, 2011

Lake Bluff Engine 519, a 2007 Pierce Saber was the first engine on the scene and setup in the 'A' Sector in front of the house. Jeff Rudolph photo

Lake Bluff Fire Department 2-11 alarm fire Jan 3, 2011 Highwood Fire Department

Highwood Truck 37 was due on the Box Alarm with their 2001 HME Smeal 75' quint. Jeff Rudolph photo

Lake Bluff Fire Department 2-11 alarm fire Jan 3, 2011

Fire vents through the roof as a firefighter works to hit any remaining fire in the lower soffit. Other firefighters can be seen inside the house on the second floor where the fire has been knocked down already. Jeff Rudolph photo

Lake Bluff Fire Department 2-11 alarm fire Jan 3, 2011

A light smoke is visible from the front of the house as firefighters chase hot spots and begin overhaul. Jeff Rudolph photo

Lake Bluff Fire Department 2-11 alarm fire Jan 3, 2011

Firefighters carry a ladder to the roof for safety prior to gaining roof access for ventilation. Jeff Rudolph photo

Lake Bluff Fire Department 2-11 alarm fire Jan 3, 2011

A firefighter is enveloped in smoke as he works to vent the second floor of the house. Jeff Rudolph photo

Lake Bluff Fire Department 2-11 alarm fire Jan 3, 2011

Highwood firefighter Karl Klotz regroups in the rear before going in to perform overhaul. Jeff Rudolph photo

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Chicago Still and Box Alarm 12-30

Dec 30

Posted by bgshap in Apparatus on-scene, Fire | No Comments

Karl Klotz took in a Still and Box Alarm fire this morning at 1315 S. Wabash in a commercial occupancy. He posted a few images HERE.

Chicago Fire Department Still and Box Alarm Wabash Avenue

Smoke escapes from the front windows of the Gastro Smokehouse Restaurant on Wabash Avenue this morning. Karl Klotz photo

Chicago Fire Department Still and Box Alarm Wabash Avenue Squad 1

Squad 1's Snorkel is parked near the Still and Box on Wabash. The fire was knocked down with hand lines and an interior attack. Karl Klotz photo

Chicago Fire Department Still and Box Alarm Wabash Avenue

Tower Ladder 5 was located in Sector 1 in the event that the fire extended to the upper floors. Karl Klotz photo

Chicago Fire Department Still and Box Alarm Wabash Avenue

Firefighters remove a ground ladder from the scene and return it to the truck. Karl Klotz photo

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Chicago Heights Box Alarm 12-24

Dec 25

Posted by bgshap in Apparatus on-scene, Fire, Fire Service News, Reader submission | No Comments

Chicago Heights responded to a fire yesterday in a vacant two-story building. On arrival, the first companies had a 35×40 building with heavy smoke conditions. The fire, which is considered to be of a suspicious origin, destroyed the building which consisted of apartments over a vacant store front. Several fire departments including Matteson, Park Forest, South Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Steger, Crete, and Homewood assisted Chicago Heights. The fire, which was reported around 11AM was in the 200 block of US Route 30.

Tim Olk was on the scene and submitted these images. Tim has a complete gallery which can be seen HERE.

A brief article from CBS Chicago is HERE.

Chicago Heights FD vacant building fire Dec 24, 2010

Elevated master streams from Matteson's ladder and Chicago Heights' tower ladder work to extinguish the blaze in a vacant two-story building on Christmas Eve. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Heights FD vacant building fire Dec 24, 2010

Firefighters deploy a hand line through the front door of the vacant storefront as heavy smoke escapes. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Heights FD vacant building fire Dec 24, 2010

Heavy fire and smoke escapes from the 'B' side of the building as firefighters ventilate the windows. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Heights FD vacant building fire Dec 24, 2010

Chicago Heights Truck 673, an HME/Smeal 100' tower ladder, operates in the 'A' sector directly in front of the building. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Heights FD vacant building fire Dec 24, 2010

Fire is visible from both floors in the rear of this vacant building in Chicago Heights. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Heights FD vacant building fire Dec 24, 2010

A Chicago Heights firefighter directs the master stream from the bucket of Tower 673 high above the fire building. Tim Olk photo

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Stickney Box Alarm

Dec 17

Posted by bgshap in Apparatus on-scene, Fire, Reader submission | No Comments

The Stickney Fire Department had a box alarm this afternoon at 4125 Oak Park Avenue. Josh Boyajian sent this image of Engine 1201 pumping at the scene. The engine is a 2007 HME/Ahrens Fox 1250/1000/30 TM. Truck 1204, a 1997 Spartan Gladiator, 3D 1250/500, Aerial Innovations 105′ rear mount aerial can be seen in the background.

Stickney Fire Department house fire Dec 17, 2010

Stickney Engine 1201 and truck 1204 on the scene of the box alarm fire at 4125 Oak Park Avenue. Josh Boyajian photo

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