Archive for May 9th, 2017

Richmond Fire Department news

Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:

Ginger Blossom, owner of a store by the same name in Richmond, credited a family dog with waking her up early Sunday and alerting her to an attic fire in the Route 173 property.

The fire was at the main house and did not affect the other buildings on the old dairy farm that houses Blossom’s import business. The farm, at 3016 Route 173, west of Antioch, is known for its metal animal sculptures that can be seen from the highway.

According to Richmond Fire Protection Chief Rick Gallas, the first firefighters arrived on the scene at 6:30 a.m. Sunday.

“We had flames coming off the back, and smoke,” Gallas said “The homeowner was awakened by her dog, and there were no working smoke detectors in that area of the house.”

Gallas said damage was estimated at $40,000, and the cause of the fire is under investigation but could be electrical. With no hydrants in the area, an extra alarm was called to bring more tankers to the scene.

“We had 90 percent of the fire out in 15 minutes and the rest in a half-hour,” Gallas said. “We had to pull the ceiling to make sure we got it all.”

Blossom said after being awakened by her dog, Emie, she called 911, … propped open the front door so her cats could escape … then took a hose out and started to try and slow the fire down.

“The fire department was there in about 8 minutes,” she said. “They were phenomenal; they were very quick.”

thanks Dan

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2017 Lake County Fire Expo

Excerpts from littlelakecounty.com:

On Saturday, May 13, the Lake County Fire Chief’s Association will host the 20th annual Fire Safety Expo at Gurnee Mills.

Fire departments from across Lake County, including the Gurnee Fire Department and Waukegan Fire Department, will join forces to educate families about fire safety through a series of fun-filled activities.

Highlights include:

  • Kids’ Challenge
  • Slide down the fire pole
  • Take a ride in a fire truck
  • K9 presentation
  • Smokey the Bear
  • Seat Belt Convincer Rollover Simulator
  • Kids Safety Identification Booth – with free fingerprinting
  • Special “Passport to Safety” for all kids younger than 10

The first 1,000 children will receive a complimentary raffle ticket with their Passport to Safety. There will also be firefighter demonstrations, fire safety-themed games, and food available for purchase. Admission is free.

Gurnee Mills Fire Safety Expo
Saturday, May 1310:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Parking Lot E, Near Value City Furniture
6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee

thanks Dan

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Chicago Fire Department news (more)

Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:

“It is our sad duty to report the passing of Chicago Fire Department Office of Fire Investigations Chief Michael V. Murphy,” the department said in a statement.

Murphy, 56, was taking part in an aquatic event at Mount Carmel High School on the South Side with his 16-year-old son when he suffered a massive heart attack.

Murphy joined the department in October of 1996, achieved the rank of deputy district chief, and was named the commanding fire marshal in February of 2015. He headed up the Office of Fire Investigations, in charge of determining the cause and origin of fires in Chicago.

Murphy was the catalyst for the newly passed city ordinance that requires the victims of vehicle fires to report them to the fire and police departments for investigation before any insurance claims are made. The department says that the new law has already been credited for a decrease in fraudulent insurance claims involving car fires.

Murphy leaves his wife Sarah, daughter Clare, and sons John and Will. Funeral arrangements are pending.  Chief Murphy would have turned 57 on July 31.

thanks Dan

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New aerial for Bensenville FPD (more)

Updated production photos at E-ONE of the New aerial for Bensenville FPD  so #141014

fire truck ladder being built

E-ONE photo

fire truck ladder being built

E-ONE photo

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