This from Erik Haak:
At 1950hrs on Saturday, April 27th, the McCook Fire Department was paged out to the report of an explosion occurring at a metal grinding company at 4828 S. Lawndale. First arriving companies confirmed smoke showing from the A and D sides at 1954hrs and elevated the response to a full still. The fire was contained in the 125 x 325 1-story rear section of the complex which included several additions that were not involved. At 2012hrs, command pulled MABAS Division 10 Box #14-01 after companies reported heavy smoke conditions in the interior. Several aerials were used to combat the slow burning fire that had melted through fiberglass portions of the roof. Riverside Truck 1629 operated from the northeast corner of the building and within the complex’s fenced-in lot. It’s aerial can be seen raised in several of the photos. Brookfield Truck 419 operated an aerial from the southeast corner and was set up on Lawndale. Bedford Park Truck 705 operated a stream from inside the complex on the south side of the building. Pleasantview Truck 1519 operated a master stream from the northwest corner of the complex and was set up on Clyde Terrace. Tri-State Truck 529 was set up off of the Joliet Road side of the building but never raised their aerial. Lyons Squad 1316 lit up the east side of the building where most of the fireground activity occurred. McCook Engine 1416 can also be seen supplying water to Riverside’s Truck as well as several handlines. Images pictured were taken approximately one hour into the incident.
Bedford Park FD Snorkel. Erik Haak photo
Brookfield FD Truck 419. Erik Haak photo
Lyons Squad 1316. Erik Haak photo
McCook Engine 1416. Erik Haak photo
Pleasantview Truc 1519. Erik Haak photo
