updated with more photos at 11:45PM
Oak Lawn pulled a 2-11 late this afternoon for fire in a strip mall on 95th Street. Hank Sajovic was on the scene within minutes and submitted several terrific images of the buildings before companies got water to the front. The shots depict firefighters in the rear where the fire was discovered at Eva’s Bridal Shop and then the progression of heavy smoke and fire out the front on 95th Street as the fire spread to the Radio Shack next door.
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Firefighters advance lines in the rear of Eva's Bridal Shop in Oak Lawn as heavy smoke pushes out of the windows. Hank Sajovic photo
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Another view from the rear of the strip mall shows the wide spread of the fire. Hank Sajovic photo
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The view down a barren 95th Street as smoke escapes from the front of the building. Hank Sajovic photo
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Smoke and fire are now visible along 95th Street prior to fire companies going to work. Hank Sajovic photo
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Chief officers communicate with fire companies in preparation of a defensive attack. Hank Sajovic photo
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Fire companies can be seen preparing to put a Chicago Ridge tower ladder to work as the fire intensifies and takes hold of the neighboring Radio Shack as well. Hank Sajovic photo
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Roberts Park firefighters ready another aerial for master stream operations. Hank Sajovic photo
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Firefighters stretch hose lines to attack the fire from 95th Street. Hank Sajovic photo
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Two elevated master streams plus several handlines darken the fire stopping the spread to additional units. Hank Sajovic photo
There is more coverage of the fire plus videos HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.
The Oak Lawn Fire Department stations and apparatus can be seen HERE.
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Heavy fire can be seen now in the Radio Shack store to the east of the bridal shop. Hank Sajovic photo
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The Roberts Park FD Pierce aerial is seen deployed on the east end of the 'A' sector. Hank Sajovic photo
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The facade has caved in on the original fire unit. Chicago Ridge firefighters sweep their master stream into the single story structure from a low angle just above the street. Hank Sajovic photo
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A closeup of the Chicago Ridge E-ONE tower ladder working in front of the building. Hank Sajovic photo
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Chicago Ridge Fire Department Tower 6504 is setup on 95th Street in Sector 'A' directly in front of the fire building. Hank Sajovic photo
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Roberts Park purchased this 2008 Pierce 100' aluminum aerial that was used on the show 'Rescue Me'. Hank Sajovic photo
#1 by Chris R on November 21, 2010 - 11:23 AM
Two changes I would make; ONE – a column called news around town. A site about who is getting new equipment and when, new chiefs and retirements. I know its hard to get photos of every new piece of equipment in the area. More news about area departments would be nice. TWO – a place where people can submit photos of fires and new apparatus, a place where these can be submitted by either computor or cellphone. There might be a way to this already, I’m just not aware of it yet. I’m a new photo junkie and any info you guys could give to us newbies would be great. You guys have the knowledge to teach others your skills how to shoot a fire, how to shoot fire apparatus properly etc. These are just ideas and not meant to tell you how to run your website, because I think you guys already do a wonderful job !!!!! A FAN OF CAF !!!!
#2 by Chris R on November 18, 2010 - 2:18 PM
Great job again !!!!!!! You guys are always on top of the local fires and do a wonderful job with CHICAGO AREA FIRE . COM ! Keep up the good work !
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#3 by Scott on November 18, 2010 - 7:36 AM
Great shots! Hank, thanks for sharing!