Archive for January 7th, 2014

Chicago firefighters work in record cold temperatures, January 6, 2014

This from Eric Haak:

I arrived 25 minutes into this job which started just before noon on Monday in Chicago at the intersection of Thomas and Pulaski.  The temperature at that time was -14 and the wind chills were varying around -35.  There was not much to see as far as firefighting but with much respect to all people working outdoors in these conditions, I thought I would share some images of companies picking up.

 

Chicago firemen fight house fire in sub zero temperatures

Eric Haak photo

Chicago firemen fight house fire in sub zero temperatures

Eric Haak photo

Chicago firemen fight house fire in sub zero temperatures

Eric Haak photo

Chicago firemen fight house fire in sub zero temperatures

Eric Haak photo

Chicago firemen fight house fire in sub zero temperatures

Eric Haak photo

More images from Tim Olk:

Chicago firemen fight house fire in sub zero temperatures

Tim Olk photo

Chicago firemen fight house fire in sub zero temperatures

Tim Olk photo

Chicago firemen fight house fire in sub zero temperatures

Tim Olk photo

Chicago firemen fight house fire in sub zero temperatures

Tim Olk photo

Chicago firemen fight house fire in sub zero temperatures

Tim Olk photo

Chicago firemen fight house fire in sub zero temperatures

Tim Olk photo

Chicago firemen fight house fire in sub zero temperatures

Tim Olk photo

Chicago firemen fight house fire in sub zero temperatures

Tim Olk photo

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Lyons FD house fire, 1-7-14

Tim Olk submitted a few images from a fire this morning at 4030 Prescott in Lyons.

Lyons Fire Department battles house fire in sub zero temperatures

Tim Olk photo

Lyons Fire Department battles house fire in sub zero temperatures

Tim Olk photo

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Fire departments react to the severe weather

From the Prospect Heights Fire Protection District:

PRESS RELEASE

Prospect Heights Fire District Increases Staff Due To Severe Weather

As of Saturday, January 4th at 6:00 P.M. the Prospect Heights Fire District has increased the on-duty staff to ensure it can respond to an incident without the immediate need for assistance from other neighboring communities. The increased staffing ensures an extra ambulance is available and that the fire district’s water tanker can respond to any fire, not just in those areas without fire hydrants.

According to Fire Chief Don Gould, “In deep snow fire hydrant access can be difficult and in extreme cold water mains may break or hydrant freeze making them not useable.  The water tanker can improve response in these situation.” Also in cold weather the pump on a fire engine may freeze if water stored inside is not flowing out of a hose. Since many calls require extra personnel but not the fire pump additional staff responds in other fire vehicles as needed.

The fire district has long had a plan for these situations. In most years it must be activate this plan as they have done currently. So far there have been no fires or emergencies directly related to the severe weather. The fire chief recommends residents call 9-1-1 as soon as they recognize any problem and not wait as response time is already increased due to the severe weather.

Drew Smith

Deputy Chief, Prospect Heights Fire Protection District

From the Palatine Fire Department:

Palatine Fire Department needs help digging out fire hydrants

 

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