Additional images from the Cicero Box Alarm this week at the Dollar General store on Cicero Avenue were submitted by Larry Shapiro, who also arrived after the fire had been knocked down.
Cicero Engine 1 was on a hydrant just south of the fire building. Larry Shapiro photo
Cicero Truck 2 was one of three aerial units setup in front of the fire building. Larry Shapiro photo
Cicero’s reserve truck was in service for the tower ladder. Larry Shapiro photo
Oak Park Truck 631 was due on the Box Alarm. Larry Shapiro photo
The Forest Park engine supplied Bedford Park’s Snorkel. Larry Shapiro photo
The front windows were vented to clear the heavy smoke from the fire at the rear. Larry Shapiro photo
North Riverside responded to the scene with their tower ladder. Altogether, there were five truck companies on the scene. Larry Shapiro photo
This shot looks north on Cicero Avenue. Larry Shapiro photo
North Riverside was the RIT company, shown here taking their equipment back to the tower ladder. Larry Shapiro photo
Cicero Assistant Chief Rick Moravcek discusses the fire with Bedrord Park personnel. Larry Shapiro photo
More images can be found HERE.
#1 by DMc77 on August 2, 2012 - 2:54 PM
Oak Park’s current truck is a 2000 model. It replaced an early 80’s Seagrave 100′ rear mount that was also on a low profile chassis. It is currently serving as River Forest T221.
Forest Park’s previous tower was on an interesting low profile chassis, and the current Pierce is a mid-mount due to clearance issues at the firehouse, not due to viaducts.
Our neighbors with trucks due into Oak Park (NRIV, CICR and STIK) know to go north of the tracks using Austin, Ridgeland or Harlem. This also applies to CICR H&L 2, as their tiller cab is too tall and will only safely fit underneath the above mentioned viaducts. Our lowest viaduct clearance is Oak Park avenue at 11 feet.
We are looking to replace the current T631 hopefully in 2014. It will most likely be another platform, and the location of the turntable is up for debate. As mentioned already, mid mount platforms have clearance issues when making turns, and another low profile chassis underneath a platform is problamatic as well. Some of the issues we have had with the current T631 is the platform hangs down low enough in front as to partially obstruct forward vision, and with the low profile chassis, there simply isn’t enough room on the chassis to put enough suspension in, and the rough streets have battered what little suspension there is over the last 12 years.
#2 by josh on August 1, 2012 - 10:17 PM
Forest park has a pierce mid mount tower, fits under all the train bridges just fine
#3 by Kevin K. on August 1, 2012 - 8:06 PM
I would have to imagine they should at least look at a midmount tower. Those tend to have a very low profile. The downside is the turning radius is abysmal.
#4 by Dan on August 1, 2012 - 7:53 PM
What year is oak park’s tower? Will they have trouble finding a suitable replacement when the time comes? What chassis would get them that low now? I assume they have the lower height due to all the train bridges in town. Just curious.
#5 by bgshap on August 1, 2012 - 8:01 PM
http://chicagoareafire.com/Div_11_OKPK_Sta1.html