this from Stephen Wilcox:
Here’s an ancient rig. 1959 Ward LaFrance 1,000 gallon. I remember that the shift was a non-synchromesh. I only knew one engineer who could drive it without using the clutch. Wheaton had two of them in early sixties. Quite a vehicle.
Stephen Wilcox photo
Oct 27
From Stephen Wilcox:
Stephen Wilcox photo
Stephen Wilcox submitted several images and information about a dive rescue in Downers Grove on July 28, 2011.
This incident occurred 7/28 at 1840 hours at 2111 Butterfield Road (Rt. 56) in Downers Grove. A car left the street and plunged into a lake in front of the office, hotel, and resturant complex. (SW corner of Rt. 56 and I-355.) Two members of the first arriving company made entry seconds after arriving. Tom Christianson and Andy Hoff found a victim outside but next to the car in about ten feet of water. They brought him to shore and he was transported to Good Sam where he was in critical condition.
The path that the car took into the pond. Stephen Wilcox photo
The car traveled over the curb and parkway hitting a bench before plunging into the water. Stephen Wilcox photo
Car & victim found out near what appear to be pontoons about two thirds of the way across the lake. Stephen Wilcox photo
Downers Grove divers Tom Christianson and Andy Hoff relaying information about the dive to other firefighters. Stephen Wilcox photo
The Tribune has an article HERE.
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
Aug 6
Stephen Wilcox submitted yet another recent house fire from Dupage County, this time in Lisle. Stephen submitted several images and commentary;
This box alarm was in an unhydranted area in the north end of Lisle’s district. Typically, the weather was hot and humid. No one home at the time of the fire (1115 hours on 7/1/11) may have contributed to a response delay. Structure was one story “L” shaped, about 40″X80″ ordinary, located on Red Oak. Command also called a box for tankers.
"D" side on my arrival, also the area of ignition. Stephen Wilcox photo
"A" side upon arrival of companies. Stephen Wilcox photo
"A" side, members are moving hose lines into position. Stephen Wilcox photo
The fire is moving rapidly from the "C-D" corner towards "B". Notice fire starting to show in the window as we go by. Stephen Wilcox photo
Same window a few moments later, a bit closer of a look. Stephen Wilcox photo
The rear at the height of the fire fight. Stephen Wilcox photo
Heavy fire vents from the "B" side as a line can be seen that was stretched to the rear. Stephen Wilcox photo
Another view shows fire burning through the roof. Stephen Wilcox photo
Lisle firefighters use a 2-1/2 in the front as they darken down the interior fire. Stephen Wilcox photo
Members have a 2-1/2 with water and are making what progress they can, keeping in mind the defensive attack, collapse zone, etc. Stephen Wilcox photo
Winfield Tender 614 was called to the scene since the area was without hydrants. Stephen Wilcox photo
York Center FPD Tender 76 was also due on the tanker box. The tenders were utilized 'in-line' to supply water to the pumping engines. Stephen Wilcox photo
The newest engine in Lisle, Engine 511, is shown here pumping at it's first working fire. Stephen Wilcox photo
When we posted the Winfield Fire District recently, Stephen Wilcox submitted images and commentary from an interesting event that was handled by Winfield last summer.
an item caught my eye, and that was the …Winfield… Dive/Rescue vehicle. So I dug back to 2010, late summer, for a call they took in for two lovers who were not paying attention to their surroundings. The West Branch of the DuPage river runs just a block or two from their quarters. A short hike up to locate them and begin the rescue. The couple were on the island when the water level began to rise rapidly. A cell phone call and help was at hand. The divers entered up stream, making their way to the island where the stranded couple were brought safely to shore.
The couple awaits the arrival of Winfield firefighters. Stephen Wilcox photo
Winfield firefighters make their way to the stranded couple. Stephen Wilcox photo
Winfield firefighters assist one of the victims to the shore. Stephen Wilcox photo
The second victim is guided to safety. Stephen Wilcox photo
At roughly 4:40AM on the morning of June 27th, the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Department in MABAS Division 12 received a call from a homeowner in the 500 block of Dawes Avenue reporting his house was on fire.
Glen Ellyn firefighters arrived to find heavy fire blowing out of the front door at this house on Dawes Avenue. From the street, the house had two floors, but the story was different from the rear. Stephen Wilcox photo
Stephen Wilcox arrived as the first companies did and submitted information about the fire, commentary, plus several images.
500 block of Dawes, Glen Ellyn. 6/27/11 @ 0440 hours. This fire went to a MABAS box. The family self-evacated through the lower level rear double doors, they said.
The Daily Herald reports that:
The homeowners were awakened by smoke detectors and escaped without injury, according to Craig Eldridge, spokesman for the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company.
As seen from the 'B-C' corner, fire has taken over the basement and first floor rear. Stephen Wilcox photo
Stephen adds:
Going towards the rear, the escape window is on the right side of the shot and we begin to see the conditions in the rear (“C”). There is a double sliding glass door in the middle of the lower level; a deck goes all across the back of the house and fire has taken hold of this sector.
The rear of the house is fully involved. Stephen Wilcox photo
More from Stephen:
Our first look at the fire in the rear. Need I mention the absolute necessity of doing a 360° walk around the fire building at all fires. It is surely a different ballgame with the information visible here. The point of origin was between the steps on the right and the double door opening. A cooking pit had been used earlier and replaced, in that area along with three propane tanks. All the tanks exploded adding the initial energy to thefire spread. The family is reported to have self evacuated through those double doors.
Firefighter use hand lines to knock the fire down. Stephen Wilcox photo
Also from Stephen:
Two and a half inch lines were used to knock this fire before the tower was brought into play to finish the job.The fire is mostly under control by now. The water supply was lean. The water mains in the area are only four inch so it was necessary to control water usage. The tower had great placement to reach the roof-attic area. Both collapsed as did the second floor during this fight.
Fire still burns in the attic and through the roof as the first floor and basement areas have been knocked down. Stephen Wilcox photo
As the sun rises, the extent of the damage becomes clearly visible. Stephen Wilcox photo
Firefighters encountered heavy smoke pushing out from the entire house on arrival. Stephen Wilcox photo
Stephen Wilcox has submitted images and information about yet another fire in western Dupage County (MABAS Division 12) that occurred last month. Here is what he had to say:
Wheaton Fire: 419 N. Ellis on 6/17/11 @ 0447 hours. The structure, circa 1900, balloon frame, lath & plaster, knob and tube wiring construction. Warm, humid conditions on arrival. Fire was located on all floors and in the attic. Neighbors told members they thought someone was still inside. The extra alarm covered these three items. Several handlines, six ground ladders were used. (Family was returning from the Far East.)
A Wheaton firefighter ventilates windows on the side of the house as companies in front make entry. Stephen Wilcox photo
Wheaton Truck Company 417 goes to work opening the roof. Stephen Wilcox photo
A West Chicago firefighter on a ladder takes out a second floor window before he can perform a search. VENT, ENTER, SEARCH. Stephen Wilcox photo
After clearing the window, the firefighter enters the bedroom to perform a primary search for occupants. He made a quick search, came out, moved the ladder to the next window and repeated the operation. Stephen Wilcox photo
Members are picking up as the sun shines on a 20-story building, #1 Wheaton Center. Wheaton Truck 417 was the first-due truck to the fire. Stephen Wilcox photo
The area of origin beneath the staircase facilitated the rapid fire spread. Stephen Wilcox photo
Jul 25
Stephen Wilcox submitted several images from a house fire last month at 1N180 Cypress Lane. He had the following comments:
This general alarm fire with a special was a two story frame. On arrival, The entire rear was on fire. The (Wheaton) truck went to the roof, while Winfield companies were in the front. Just like the book says. I was a mile and half away when companies began arriving. I looked in that direction and saw a great header. By the time I arrived, there was no fire or header. Photos show the damage on the rear, exterior and interior. Great firefighting!
Stephen
Firefighters perform overhaul. Stephen Wilcox photo
The rear of the house sustained significant damage to the exterior. Stephen Wilcox photo
Another shot showing firefighters overhauling the exterior. Stephen Wilcox photo
A Daily Herald article had this to say:
A Winfield family escaped unharmed Friday morning when fire struck their two-story house in an unincorporated area near Winfield and left the building uninhabitable. Firefighters said the blaze began just after 9 a.m. at the house on Cypress Lane. The first fire crews were on the scene in about two minutes, Winfield Chief Phil Dimenza said.
The living room was gutted. Stephen Wilcox photo
The kitchen encountered the heaviest fire. Stephen Wilcox photo
Firefighters from Winfield wash down hot spots inside the house. Stephen Wilcox photo
The complete Daily Herald article is HERE.
Firefighters arriving to a house fire at 555 Dawes Avenue in Glen Ellyn in the overnight hours of June 27th were met by heavy fire conditions. The house was two-stories in the front and three in the rear. Stephen Wilcox photo
The Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Department in MABAS Division 12 responded to a reported house fire in the 500 block of Dawes Avenue at 4:40AM on June 27, 2011. Stephen Wilcox responded and arrived with first companies to find heavy fire coming out of the front door and completely involving both floors in the rear. The alarm was upgraded to a MABAS Box Alarm. The family was able to escape the house unharmed.
A Glen Ellyn house was seriously damaged Monday following an early morning fire, authorities said.
The two-story structure in the 500 block of Dawes Avenue was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived about 4:30 a.m. The homeowners were awakened by smoke detectors and escaped without injury, according to Craig Eldridge, spokesman for the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company.
The B-C corner of the house shows complete involvement on the lower floor and the first floor. Stephen Wilcox photo
Stephen Wilcox adds this description:
Going towards the rear, the escape window is on the right side of the shot and we begin to see the conditions in the rear (“C”). There is a double sliding glass door in the middle of the lower level; a deck goes all across the back of the house and fire has taken hold of this sector.
From the rear the entire house is involved in fire. Stephen Wilcox photo
More from Stephen:
Our first look at the fire in the rear. Need I repeat, the absolute necessity of doing a 360° walk around the fire building at all fires. It is surely a different ballgame with the information you now see. The point of origin is between the steps on the right and the double door opening. A cooking pit had been used earlier and replaced, in that area along with three propane tanks. The tanks exploded adding the initial energy to the fire spread. The family is reported to have self evacuated through those double doors
Companies deploy handlines and darken the fire. Stephen Wilcox photo
Two and a half inch lines used to knock this fire before the tower was brought into play to finish the job. The water supply was lean. The lines in the area are only four inch so it was necessary to control water usage. The tower had great placement to reach the roof-attic area. Both collapsed as did the second floor during this fight.
Fire has been knocked down on the first floor and still burns on the second floor and through the roof. Stephen Wilcox photo
As the sun begins to rise, the extent of the damage done at this fire is clearly evident. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. Stephen Wilcox photo
For the finest department portraits and composites contact Tim Olk or Larry Shapiro.
