After working the midnight shift in the CFD Fire Alarm Office, Steve Redick took off for the south side to photograph the 3-11 alarm fire in the 9100 block of South Stony Island Avenue. The fire began before 4AM in one room of a two-story motel that had a total of 62 rooms. The fire eventually resulted in damage to all rooms and burned the roof off before it was declared under control before 9AM. The Chicago Tribune reports that at least 7 people suffered injuries including one Chicago firefighter. Fire companies were busy citywide last night, and when this alarm came out, Engine 82 and Truck 42, the still alarm companies, were both tied up elsewhere. Engines 72 and 46 plus Truck 17 and Tower 34 were subsequently assigned to this fire on the still alarm.
Though he arrived late into the fire, Steve submitted several images that depict multiple hand lines, Squad 5’s Snorkel, and tower ladders 34 and 37.
The Chicago Tribune has an article and photo gallery HERE.
Tower 37 deployed their basket low to penetrate the second floor rooms. Steve Redick photo
Chicago Tower Ladder 34 was running with this spare E-ONE unit and setup in Sector 1. Steve Redick photo
Squad 5 deployed their Snorkel at one end of the block-long motel. Steve Redick photo
Engine 81 was in an alley alongside the motel property supplying multiple hand lines to the rear. Steve Redick photo
Firefighters stand by as several master streams inundate the motel to extinguish the remaining pockets of fire. Steve Redick photo
