Late this afternoon Chicago FD units were called about fire on the roof of a mattress store at 3106 W. Peterson Avenue. Engine 71 arrived and reported smoke, then requested a Box Alarm for the fire.

More information will be included in tomorrow’s post(s), but the fire was escalated to a 4-11 with three additional trucks (2 trucks and a tower ladder).

Images here are from Tim Olk and our newest contributor …

This from Dorothy Shapiro

My husband (Larry) kidnapped me since we were in the area, and as I sat and watched the fire for over two hours, I wanted to submit these images of mine to share.

4-alarm fire on Chicago's north side destroys strip center and 5 stores

Dorothy Shapiro photo

4-alarm fire on Chicago's north side destroys strip center and 5 stores

Dorothy Shapiro photo

4-alarm fire on Chicago's north side destroys strip center and 5 stores

Dorothy Shapiro photo

Massive 4-alarm fire on Chicago's north side destroys strip center and 5 stores

TIm Olk photo

Massive 4-alarm fire on Chicago's north side destroys strip center and 5 stores

TIm Olk photo

Massive 4-alarm fire on Chicago's north side destroys strip center and 5 stores

TIm Olk photo

Massive 4-alarm fire on Chicago's north side destroys strip center and 5 stores

TIm Olk photo

Massive 4-alarm fire on Chicago's north side destroys strip center and 5 stores

TIm Olk photo

Massive 4-alarm fire on Chicago's north side destroys strip center and 5 stores

TIm Olk photo

Massive 4-alarm fire on Chicago's north side destroys strip center and 5 stores

TIm Olk photo

Massive 4-alarm fire on Chicago's north side destroys strip center and 5 stores

TIm Olk photo

Massive 4-alarm fire on Chicago's north side destroys strip center and 5 stores

TIm Olk p