Archive for January, 2011

South Elgin 2nd Alarm 1-20-11

Jan 25

Posted by bgshap in Apparatus on-scene, Fire, Fire Service News, Reader submission | Comments off

South Elgin had a house fire on Thursday at 10N917 Gale Street in Elgin Township (Kane County). The fire was apparently blamed on a bird’s nest which ignited and sent fire into the attic of the home. It was a 15-degree day that felt like 5 degrees with the wind.

Scott Peterson submitted several shots from the scene after the fire was brought under control.

South Elgin Fire Department house fire Jan 20, 2011

A view from the front of the one-story house at 10N917 Gayle Street in unincorporated Kane County. Scott Peterson photo

Firefighters work on the roof of the house after the fire was knocked down. Multiple attics required several vent holes. Scott Peterson photo

This shot from the rear shows the extent of the attic fire. Scott Peterson photo

From The Courier-News:

According to preliminary reports, firefighters were called to the home just after 9:30 a.m. by the home’s two occupants. Firefighters found fire in a wall and a deep-seated fire in the attic, with flames coming out of windows on both sides of the structure. Reports stated that the home actually had multiple attic units as a result of remodeling projects and the fire had spread among them.

The Courier-News has an article about the fire HERE.

Departments that responded to provide mutual aid included Elgin, Pingree Grove, Elburn, Bartlett, Hanover Park, and West Dundee.

South Elgin Fire Department house fire Jan 20, 2011 Crimson tower

South Elgin’s new Spartan/Crimson mid-mount tower ladder staged at the fire. Scott Peterson photo

South Elgin Fire Department house fire Jan 20, 2011 Elburn Fire District

Elburn Tender 307, a 3000-gallon pumper/tanker built by Alexis on a 1988 Peterbilt chassis was also on the scene. Scott Peterson photo

South Elgin Fire Department house fire Jan 20, 2011 Elgin engine

Elgin Engine 4 was on a hydrant down the street from the fire. Scott Peterson photo

South Elgin Fire Department house fire Jan 20, 2011 Pingree Grove Fire District

Pingree Grove responded to the fire with this tandem-axle pumper/tanker on a Spartan Gladiator chassis. Scott Peterson photo

South Elgin had two engines, a tower, and a tanker on the scene. Here is Engine 1, a Spartan/Crimson parked down the street. Scott Peterson photo

Tags: 2-11, 2nd alarm, Bartlett Fire District, Crimson, Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District, Elburn Fire Protection District, Elgin Fire Department, Hanover Park Fire Department, house fire, KME, mid-mount tower ladder, Pingree Grove and Countryside Fire Protection District, Scott Peterson, South Elgin Fire Department, South Elgin Fire District, Spartan, West Dundee Fire Department, winter fire scene

South Chicago Heights is added to the site

Jan 25

Posted by bgshap in Fire Department News, New Listing, Site News | Comments off

The second department in MABAS Division 27 has been added. South Chicago Heights, a single station department that covers 1.5 square miles operates two ambulances and two engines. Ambulances are from Wheeled Coach and Osage. Engines are from Crimson and American LaFrance (before it was bought by Freightliner). This is one of the few departments in the area operating a Type II style ambulance. Images were provided by Jack Connors.

South Chicago Heights Fire Department station

The South Chicago Heights station at 2729 Jackson Avenue. Jack Connors photo

South Chicago Heights Fire Department Type II ambulance

South Chicago Heights Fire Department American LaFrance Century pumper

Tags: American LaFrance, Century Series, Crimson, Freightliner, Jack Connors, MABAS Division 27, Osage, South Chicago Heights Fire Department, Type II ambulance, Wheeled Coach

MABAS Divisions 19 & 22 will share haz mat unit

Jan 24

Posted by bgshap in Fire Department News, Fire Service News | 1 Comment

MABAS Divisions 19 and 22 will have a new joint divisional haz mat unit. The unit was purchased from the Braidwood Fire District, a 1983 Pierce Arrow 20-foot walk-in rescue unit. It is replacing a 1984 IHC/Hesse that had accumulated over 200,000 miles. This new unit will be housed with the Palos Fire District and will be assigned the number 6097. Haz mat 6907 will respond to incidents on the north side of the MABAS Division 19 and 22 area.

The new haz mat unit to be shared between MABAS Divisions 19 and 22 is this former Braidwood Fire District C.A.R.T. tactical rescue squad. Karl Klotz photo

Tags: Braidwood Fire District, Haz Mat Unit, heavy rescye, Hesse, Karl Klotz, MABAS Division 19, MABAS Division 22, Pierce Arrow, walk-in rescue

4th Alarm Fire in Harvard 1-22-11

Jan 23

Posted by bgshap in Apparatus on-scene, Fire, Fire Service News | 1 Comment

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

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

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

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

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

Tags: 4th alarm, Fontane Fire Department, Harvard Fire department, MABAS Division 5, Scott Peterson, Sharon Fire Department, Woodstock Fire Rescue District

Country Club Hills has been added to the site

Jan 23

Posted by bgshap in Fire Department News, Fire Service News, New Listing | 2 Comments

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 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. Larry Shapiro collection

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.

Tags: Aero Chief, American LaFrance, American LaFrance brochure, Century Series, Country Club Hills Fire Department, Jack Connors, Karl Klotz, Ladder Chief, Ladder Chief Quint, Larry Shapiro, MABAS Division 21, Snorkel, Water Chief, Water Chief Quint

Fire in Country Club Hills 1-21-11 – update

Jan 22

Posted by bgshap in Apparatus on-scene, Fire, Fire Department News, Fire Service News | Comments off

Karl Klotz also took in the house fire yesterday in Country Club Hills at 4440 W. 183rd Street. The temperature at the time of this fire was -20 degrees including the wind chill. He arrived before Dennis McGuire, Jr who submitted photos that were posted HERE.

Karl submitted the following images and has a full gallery which can be seen HERE.

Country Club Hills Fire Department house fire

Smoke escapes from the roof at 4440 W. 183rd Street as firefighters get water on the fire inside the house. Karl Klotz photo

Country Club Hills Fire Department house fire Spartan Crimson Engine 1120

Country Club Hills Engine 1120 was the first suppression unit on the scene. Karl Klotz photo

Firefighters overhaul the exterior of the house looking for hot spots of hidden fire after the main fire has been controlled by companies inside. Karl Klotz photo

As firefighters perform overhaul, they remove exterior soffits, siding, and insulation . Karl Klotz photo

Hazel Crest Truck 1220, a Pierce Lance 105' quint, was staged in front of the house. Karl Klotz photo

Country Club Hills Engine 1130, a Pierce Lance, brought additional manpower to the scene. Karl Klotz photo

Oak Forest Ambulance 162, a 2004 Ford/Road Rescue was on the scene but there were no injuries. Karl Klotz photo

A Country Club Hills firefighter awaits a new assignment after working on overhaul. Karl Klotz photo

Homewood's squad, a Country Club Hills engine, an Oak Forest engine, the Country Club Hills tower, and the Hazel Crest truck can be seen parked along 183rd Street at the fire. Karl Klotz photo

Tags: Country Club Hills Fire Department, Crimson, Dennis McGuire Jr., Hazel Crest Fire Department, Homewood Fire Department, house fire, Karl Klotz, Lance, Oak Forest Fire Department, Pierce, Pierce Lance, quint, Road Rescue, Spartan Gladiator, sub-zero, winter

Wauconda Box Alarm 1-22-11

Jan 22

Posted by bgshap in Apparatus on-scene, Fire Department News, Fire Service News | Comments off

The Wauconda Fire Department in MABAS Division 4 was called to the scene of a single-family house fire shortly after 1PM today at 1116 Madison Avenue. Companies found heavy fire in the garage of the structure that was communicating to the house and attic area. They upgraded the response to a MABAS Box Alarm bringing mutual aid from several departments. There was no one home at the time of the fire and though the garage sustained heavy damage to the roof and the vehicle parked inside was destroyed, damage to the main house was limited to the area directly behind the two-story garage.

Companies assisting at the fire were from Lake Zurich, Lake Villa, Nunda, Barrington, Round Lake, Mundelein, Countryside, and Long Grove.

Larry Shapiro took in the fire, but arrived after it was knocked down. Here are several images from the scene.

Wauconda Fire Department house fire Madison Ave Jan 22, 2011

Wauconda Engine 341 was the still engine to the fire at 1116 Madison Avenue and had three lines off. It is a 2009 HME/Ferrara Intruder. Larry Shapiro photo

From the street it would appear that the window above the garage might have been a bedroom, when in fact there was no floor or buildout in that area. Larry Shapiro photo

Also, there was no second floor above the garage floor even though there was a fair sized window installed in the wall as is visible in this street image from Google Maps.

The house at 1116 Madison Avenue in Wauconda prior to the fire as seen on Google Maps.

Several of the gusset plates securing the light-weight constructed roof trusses failed in the garage area.

The roof trusses above the garage as seen from the driveway. Larry Shapiro photo

A closeup view showing the gusset failures on the roof trusses. Larry Shapiro photo

Mutual aid companies were staged on Bonner Road.

Round Lake, Mundelein, Countryside, and Long Grove apparatus is stage on Bonner Road. Larry Shapiro photo

Wauconda firefighters hit hot spots in the garage during the overhaul phase. Larry Shapiro photo

Wauconda Fire Department house fire Madison Ave Jan 22, 2011 Nunda ambulance

Nunda FPD Ambulance 1351 is staged on Bonner Road. Larry Shapiro photo

Larry Shapiro has a gallery of images which can be seen HERE.

Tags: Ferrara, garage fire, Google Maps, HME, house fire, Intruder, Larry Shapiro, light-weight construction, MABAS Box Alarm, MABAS Division 4, Wauconda Fire Department

Chicago Still and Box Alarm 1-21-11

Jan 21

Posted by bgshap in Apparatus on-scene, Fire, Fire Service News | Comments off

Chicago firefighters responded to a residential fire in the 6600 block of Onarga on the city’s Northwest Side before 7PM this evening. Temperatures were in the single digits which complicated efforts for Engine 119 who came across two frozen hydrants, but Engine 79 found a good hydrant. Firefighters found a victim in the house and rushed her to an ambulance.

Chicago Fire Department house fire Onarga

Light smoke vents from a home in the 6600 block of Onarga Tuesday evening. Single digit temperatures hampered firefighters. Steve Redick photo

The Chicago Tribune reports:

A 79-year-old Chicago woman was in serious-to-critical condition Friday night after firefighters rescued her from a burning building on the Far Northwest Side.

The woman was pulled from the building around 7 p.m. and taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital with smoke inhalation injuries, he said.

A brief article can be found HERE.

Chicago Fire Department house fire on Onarga

Firefighters work to ventilate the roof to improve conditions for interior companies. Steve Redick photo

Fire vents out of the house in 'Sector 2' as firefighters on the roof perform ventilation. Steve Redick photo

Steve Redick took in the fire and submitted several images of the scene.

Chicago Fire Department house fire on Onarga Engine 79

Engine 79 was fortunate to find a working hydrant at the scene. Engine 119 encountered two frozen hydrants. Steve Redick photo

As smoke pours out of the house, firefighters ascend the main from Truck 55 to gain access to the roof. Steve Redick photo

The crew of Truck 55 grabs a ground ladder off their spare rig to provide firefighters on the roof with a secondary means of egress. Steve Redick photo

Steve Redick will post a gallery of images from this fire HERE.

Tags: Chicago Engine 119, Chicago Engine 79, Chicago Fire Department, critical condition, fire victim, frozen fire hydrant, frozen hydrant, house fire, Lutheran General Hospital, Northwest Side of Chicago, Onarga, rescue, roof work, Steve Redick, truck work, ventilation

Stolen helmet from firefighter funeral in MA

Jan 21

Posted by bgshap in Fire Service News | 1 Comment

Saturday morning update from the MetroWest Daily News

The helmet worn by late firefighter Mike Urban – stolen in Middleborough after his funeral last week – will be returned to his widow Saturday.

A tipster called Middleborough police Friday night to say that the helmet could be found in a backpack behind the shuttered fire station at 566 Wareham St., Middleborough, Fire Chief Lance Benjamino said. Police got that anonymous call about 8:15 p.m.

Benjamino said he plans to return the helmet to Urban’s widow, Maureen, Saturday.

Fire Chief Gary Daugherty broke the news to Maureen Urban Friday night.

Last Tuesday after the funeral for fallen Framingham Firefigher Mike Urban, someone stole his helmet from his nephew’s car that had broken down during the snowstorm in Middleborough, Mass. The Framingham Board of Selectmen has put up a $1,000 reward for the return of the helmet. The poster below is a way of spreading the word and hopefully getting the helmet back to Mike’s family. Please keep an eye out on Ebay and Craigslist in hopes of a lucky break. The information is in the MetroWest Daily News link HERE.

firefighter helmet stolen

Chairman Dennis Giombetti, on behalf of the Board of Selectmen, has put up a $1,000 reward for the return of late Firefighter Mike Urban’s helmet, which thieves stole after his funeral last week.

Tags: Framingham Firefighter Mike Urban, Middleborough MA, stolen FF helmet

Fire in Country Club Hills 1-21-11

Jan 21

Posted by bgshap in Apparatus on-scene, Fire, Fire Department News, Fire Service News, Reader submission | 1 Comment

The Country Club Hills Fire Department responded to a fire todat at 4440 W. 183rd Street, just two buildings west of their Station #1. Fire broke through on the west side of a single-family residence. No one was home at the time of the fire. Country Club Hills received mutual aid from Homewood, Oak Forest, Midlothian, Markham, and Hazel Crest.

Dennis McGuire, Jr. arrived after the fire was out and submitted several images from the scene.