Karl Klotz got in early at a Box Alarm this morning in Harvey. He submitted several images and the following description:
HARVEY MABAS DIV 24 – 9/7/2011
STILL AND BOX ALARM FIRE AT 147th ST AND CENTER, VACANT “BOB WATSON CHEVROLET” CAR DEALERSHIP.COMPANIES ARRIVED TO FIND FIRE IN THE REPAIR SHOP PORTION OF THE VACANT DEALERSHIP AT 147TH STREET AND CENTER IN HARVEY. DUE TO THE CONDITION OF THE BUILDING, COMPANIES WENT DEFENSIVE WITH TOWER LADDER 2 AND 2 HANDLINES. SHORTLY AFTER ARRIVAL, THERE WAS A COLLAPSE OF THE BOW STRING TRUSS ROOF. COMPANIES WERE ALSO FACED WITH POOR WATER SUPPLY FROM NEARBY HYDRANTS.
MUTUAL AID COMPANIES WERE: POSEN, EAST HAZEL CREST, DOLTON, RIVERDALE AND SOUTH HOLLAND.
Due to the vacant occupancy, the heavy fire conditions, and the bow string truss roof design, defensive operations began immediately. Karl Klotz photo
TOWER LADDER 2 SET UP ON THE NORTH/EAST CORNER OF THE BUILDING. Karl Klotz photo
FIRE STARTS TO BREAK THROUGH THE SOUTH/EAST SIDE OF THE TRUSS ROOF. Karl Klotz photo
TOWER LADDER 2 WORKING ON EXTINGUISHING AFTER THE ROOF COLLAPSED. Karl Klotz photo
CONDITIONS SHORTLY AFTER THE ROOF COLLAPSED. Karl Klotz photo
COMPANIES STARTED TO PULL THE HANDLINES BACK AS THE INTENSE RADIANT HEAT BEATS DOWN ON THEM. Karl Klotz photo
Karl has a large gallery with more images HERE.
