Archive for January 23rd, 2011

4th Alarm Fire in Harvard 1-22-11

Scott Peterson submitted photos from the 4th alarm in Harvard, IL last night with this report. Harvard is about 90 miles NW of Chicago and 10 minutes south of the IL/WI state line. The temperature was 0-degress. Fire began in a 2-story ordinary apartment building, about 100×150 and was held there. Fire was really rolling when the first companies from the Harvard Fire Protection District pulled up (just 4 blocks from the firehouse) and already thru the roof. This started about 7:40PM in a very busy strip of bars and people. Even with the cold, there were plenty of people about. Two tower ladders, one aerial pipe, and multiple large hand lines were used, and all aerial devices were flowing their at their maximum (1,000-GPM). Companies were on the scene until early this morning continuing mop-up. 16 departments responded to the scene on the four alarms from Illinois & Wisconsin.

New articles can be found HERE and HERE. A Youtube video can be seen HERE.

Harvard Fire Department 4th alarm fire Jan 22, 2011

Fire is through the roof as aerial master streams flow from Woodstock, IL and Fontane, WI truck companies. Scott Peterson photo

All aerial devices flowing their max (1000gpm).

A view of the 'A' Sector in downtown Harvard last night as fire companies fight the 4th Alarm fire. Scott Peterson photo

All aerial devices flowing their max (1000gpm).

Companies stand by for an assignment as master streams fight the fire. Scott Peterson photo

All aerial devices flowing their max (1000gpm).

Steam rises from the street in the 0-degree temperatures as firefighters hit the remaining fire in Harvard late last night. Scott Peterson photo

All aerial devices flowing their max (1000gpm).

A view from the 'C' Sector shows tight access in the rear alley of the downtown area. Scott Peterson photo

All aerial devices flowing their max (1000gpm).

An engine from Sharon, Wisconsin pumps to a master stream in Harvard last night. Scott Peterson photo

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Country Club Hills has been added to the site

Country Club Hills has been added to the MABAS Division 24 departments that are on the website. Country Club Hills has two stations with a total of three ambulances, four engines, and a tower ladder. One of their engines, Engine 1140, is a 1980 American LaFrance Century, 75′ Water Chief Quint with a 1,500-GPM pump and 300 gallons of water. It is lettered as Truck 1140, but the aerial device is out of service, so it is running as an engine. Country Club Hills also owns the only HME/Ahrens-Fox/RK Aerials tower ladder in Illinois.

Country Club Hills Fire Department Spartan Crimson engine

This engine was featured at a fire recently which was posted HERE with images from Karl Klotz.

Country Club Hills Fire Department Station 2

Country Club Hills Fire Department Station 2 is their headquarters at 4520 W. 175th Street. Jack Connors photo

Country Club Hills Fire Department HME Ahrens Fox RK tower ladder

Country Club Hills Fire Department American LaFrance Century Water Chief Quint

When American LaFrance made aerials, each rear-mount was part of the ‘Chief’ series. There was the Ladder Chief, the Ladder Chief Quint, the Water Chief, the Water Chief Quint, and the Aero Chief.  The Aero Chief was a two-piece articulating boom with a platform at the end, similar to the Snorkel.

American LaFrance Water Chief quint brochure

American LaFrance literature on the 75' Water Chief Quint. Larry Shapiro collection

A Water Chief was an aerial ladder with a pre-piped waterway while the Ladder Chief was a straight ladder.

American LaFrance Ladder Chief brochure

American LaFrance Ladder Chief brochure. Larry Shapiro collection

American LaFrance Water Chief brochure

American LaFrance Water Chief brochure. Larry Shapiro collection

Either aerial could be mounted on a unit with a pump and tank for the quint designation.

American LaFrance brochure 75' Water Chief Quint

American LaFrance 75' Water Chief Quint brochure. Larry Shapiro collection

Few of the ‘Chief’ aerials are still in service today.

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