Stephen Wilcox has submitted images and commentary from yet another extra-alarm fire from Dupage County, this time at 5130 Meadow Lane in Downers Grove.
DG fire was notified at 1632 hours on 7/16/11. This single family home in an exclusive area was discovered by a jogger passing by. She noticed the front door belching fire and called 9-1-1. Understand that this area is heavily forested with creeks and steep ravines, narrow roads and few hydrants that are visible from the road. This house was three stories (equiv) 75′ X 125′ ordinary, not protected.
Looking from I-355 east towards the header. Stephen Wilcox photo
The front driveway on my arrival ... Stephen Wilcox photo
Heavy fire and collapsed roof visible from the second floor rear. Stephen Wilcox photo
A portion of the east roof, coming in. Stephen Wilcox photo
From the second floor rear, the fire is spreading now breaking throught the roof. Stephen Wilcox photo
Fire can be seen taking possesion of the building. Stephen Wilcox photo
Water was another difficulty. Hydrants were placed down the side of the ravines so that it could not be seen from the road. In this case, the 5" was hand-jacked down, across and up this ravine to the engine. This line fed a tower. Stephen Wilcox photo
An example of the difficulty positioning apparatus at this fire. This was the only rig actually on the property. Stephen Wilcox photo
As the fire fight continued, humidity and temps went up and the smoke hung low to the ground. Stephen Wilcox photo
