Archive for December, 2022

3-Alarm fire in Maywood, 12-26-25 (more)

Photos from Eric Haak of the 3-Alarm fire in Maywood, 12-26-25

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Eric Haak photo

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Eric Haak photo

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Eric Haak photo

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Eric Haak photo

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Eric Haak photo

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Eric Haak photo

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Eric Haak photo

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Eric Haak photo

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3-Alarm fire in Maywood, 12-26-25

3-Alarm fire in Maywood in a church at Harrison and 15th Avenue

Heavy Fire From Maywood Structure Inferno @CitizenApp

2415 W Lexington St 3:49:45 PM CST

 

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History of The Evanston Fire Department – Part 79

From Phil Stenholm:

Another installment about the History of the Evanston Fire Department

THE FIRE STATION RELOCATION PLAN

The “Fire Department Modernization Plan” proposed by Chief Henry Dorband and approved by Evanston voters in 1951 and 1953 led to the construction of three new fire stations, each completed in 1955. With the completion of the rebuilt Fire Station # 2, the relocated Fire Station # 3, and the new Fire Station # 5, Evanston had at last met the recommendations offered by the National Board of Fire Underwriters in 1935.

As of September 1955, all insured structures within the corporate city limits of Evanston were within 1-1/2 miles of a fire station and engine company. The five stations served Evanston well for many years, providing average response times in the 2-to-3 minute range, with no response time (normally) longer than four minutes.

In 1984, at the behest of Evanston Fire Chief Sam Hicks, city council staff floated a “Fire Station Relocation Plan” designed to replace the city’s five fire stations with three new ones, to be constructed up & down the central spine of Evanston. One of the new stations was to be constructed at Willard D. Kamen Park at Asbury & South Boulevard in south Evanston, another was to be built on vacant land at the southwest corner of Lake & Ashland in central-west Evanston that had been designated as a future city park, and a third was to be constructed on the site of the abandoned Municipal Testing Lane at Ashland & Noyes in north-central Evanston.

The station at Lake & Ashland would house Engine 21, Engine 24, and Ambulance 1, the station at Asbury & South Boulevard would house Engine 22, Truck 22, and Ambulance 2, and the station at Ashland & Noyes would house Engine 23, Truck 23, and Ambulance 3, all apparatus fully staffed, and with no “jump companies.” Each of the three new fire stations would have three “drive-through” bays, modern ventilation systems, and separate facilities for female firefighters.The new station at Ashland & Noyes might have also been a regional training center.


The shift commander (F-2), a driver for Squad 21, reserve apparatus (including Squad 21), equipment storage, and EFD administrative offices would be located at the existing Fire Station # 1 at 909 Lake Street, which would become more of an auxiliary fire station. Since Station # 1 would continue to exist in some fashion, the new fire station at Lake & Ashland would likely have been designated Fire Station # 4.

The two main purposes of the Fire Station Relocation Plan were to improve average response times by relocating fire stations to the areas of Evanston that incurred the most incidents, and to staff each of the three stations with eight firefighters, so that firefighters and paramedics would arrive at the scene of an incident as a group, rather than one company alone. Sort of like a “task force.”

Staffing each fire station with eight firefighters and/or paramedics would help firefighters coordinate operations on the fireground immediately upon arrival at a fire, satisfying the “two in / two out” requirements, and allowing companies to initiate search & rescue and an offensive interior attack without delay. It was not unusual for single companies like Engine 23, Engine 24, and Engine 25 to arrive on the scene of a working fire with just three firefighters, and the company would either have to begin operations without back-up support, or else wait until additional crews arrived before initiating search & rescue and an offensive interior attack.

Residents of the 5th Ward and their representatives on the city council were thrilled with the Fire Station Relocation Plan. Under the plan, the 5th ward would finally get the emergency services it had been promised  — and then subsequently denied — when Fire Station # 5 was constructed on Central Street in northwest Evanston in 1955, instead of at the originally-proposed Perkins Woods site at Grant & Bennett that was more than a half-mile closer to the 5th Ward.

While the 5th ward was very happy to finally receive some consideration from the city, the Fire Station Relocation Plan was generally not well-received in other parts of Evanston. Once a neighborhood has a fire station, it’s hard to explain to the residents of that area how emergency services would improve by relocating their fire station further away, even if the station is being relocated to an area of the city from where the most calls for service are received. This was the case with the neighborhoods served by all five of the existing fire stations in 1984, but especially for the residents served by fire stations # 4 and # 5.

There also was the matter of the aerial-ladder truck that was to be located in the new fire station at Asbury & South Boulevard having to somehow zig-zag through the underpass at Callan & South Boulevard when responding to alarms east of the CTA tracks along South Boulevard north of Calvary Cemetery. In terms of responding to calls without delay and negotiating traffic to get there, the existing Fire Station # 2 at Madison & Custer was actually in a good location. In addition, the residents in the neighborhood of Kamen Park at Asbury & South Boulevard did not wish to exchange a park for a fire station, even though only one section of the park would be used by the fire department.

As a result, the initial plan to build a new fire station at Asbury & South Boulevard that would combine Station # 2 and Station # 4 was dropped very soon after it was proposed. Instead, Fire Station # 2 was to be remodeled and would remain where it was at 702 Madison Street, with Engine Co. 22 and Truck Co. 22 located at the station with six firefighters combined assigned to the two companies.

The dilapidated Station # 4 structure at 1817 Washington Street could not be saved, but rather than just raze it and relocate Engine Co. 24 to the new Station # 1 at Lake & Ashland as had been originally proposed, the city council decided to have Station # 4 rebuilt on the same site as the 1927 facility. Also, Ambulance 2 was to be  relocated to Station # 4, so that the firehouse would have five firefighters assigned to it instead of just three.

The main problem with keeping Station # 2 and Station # 4 where they were already located is that it meant there would be only two engine companies located north of Main Street, and that just was not acceptable to anyone. So the plan to exchange the fifth engine company for a fully-staffed third MICU ambulance and a dedicated driver for Squad 21 was dropped,

Hence, it was proposed that Engine 25 remain in service as a second engine company at the new Station # 3 at Ashland & Noyes, with unmanned but fully-equipped MICU Ambulance 3 and the unmanned Squad 21 sharing a fourth bay at Station # 3. A-3 and Squad 21 would be staffed by personnel from one of the companies from Station # 3 if needed.

Under this configuration, the new three-bay Station # 1 at 1500 Lake Street would have five firefighters (E-21 and A-1), remodeled three-bay Station # 2 at 702 Madison Street would have six firefighters (E-22 and T-22), the new Station # 3 at 2210 Ashland Avenue would have nine firefighters (E-23, E-25, and T-23, plus unmanned A-3 and S-21 in a fourth bay), and the rebuilt two-bay Station # 4 at 1817 Washington Street would have five firefighters (E-24 and A-2). The shift commander (F-2) would be located at the new Fire Station # 1 instead of at old Fire Station # 1.

At least that was the plan…  

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East Hazel Crest Fire Department news

From the East Hazel Crest FD Facebook page:

“Tonight we took delivery of, and put into service, a new set of extrication tools from AMKUS Rescue Systems. This new set of tools is replacing our current set of tools that are over 30 years old! These new tools are powered by DEWALT batteries opposed to our old set which was powered by hydraulics. Battery powered tools allow for quicker deployment of tools, quicker operation, more maneuverability, fewer failure points, and less maintenance. On top of these new extrication tools, we also were able to put into service a new set of DEWALT power tools. In addition to these tools we were able to also purchase a 3rd extrication tool built by AMKUS Rescue Systems commonly called a “combi tool” which will be placed into service on our front line engine.

Did you know that vehicle construction and safety has greatly advanced in the past 30 years? Vehicles nowadays are built using ultra high strength metals. The use of these metals means you have a higher probability of surviving vehicle accidents with less significant injuries. However the use of these metals means older equipment like the set we are replacing aren’t able to adequately cut these materials. This means in the event that someone was trapped, our old tools may have delayed the removal of a patient trapped in a vehicle.
 
We would like to formally thank Mayor Tom Brown and the Village of East Hazel Crest Board of Trustee’s for approving the purchase of these new tools (referred to as a spreader and cutter). We would also like to formally thank Tom with Dinges Fire Company for assisting us in the purchase, training, delivery, and servicing of these new tools.
 
Lastly, but certainly not least, we would like to thank every citizen, business, and guest who has either visited us at our various events this year or made donations as it was these funds that allowed us to purchase the 3rd extrication tool and DEWALT power tools. These new tools built by AMKUS Rescue Systems powered by DEWALT batteries alongside our new DEWALT power tools ensure we’ll be able to help anyone no matter the emergency! “
#chicagoareafire.com; #EasthazelCrestFD; #Amkus;

East Hazel Crest FD photo

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East Hazel Crest FD photo

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East Hazel Crest FD photo

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East Hazel Crest FD photo

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East Hazel Crest FD photo

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Fire Service news … EMT shortage

Excerpts from cbsnews.com:

Nearly every industry has dealt with staffing shortages since the start of the pandemic, but few occupations can mean the difference between life and death like that of an EMT. But for many, low wages are forcing EMTs out of their jobs.

After seven years, one EMT is not sure how much longer she can afford to keep doing the job. Her current pay is $18 an hour, slightly more than the national median average for EMTs which is $17.05 per hour. That translates into $35,470 per year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists it as one of the lowest-paying jobs in health care. Low pay was the primary reason roughly one-third of all EMTs quit in 2021, and the industry is having a hard time replacing them.

A 2022 American Ambulance Association study of employee turnover found that 39% of part-time EMT and 55% of part-time paramedic positions went unfilled because of a lack of qualified candidates.

Medicaid’s reimbursement for non-emergency transports, like moving a patient between hospitals or taking someone to dialysis, keeps wages low.

AMR, the nation’s largest private ambulance provider, is ending non-emergency transport in Los Angeles County. The company cites low Medicaid reimbursement as a major reason for a $3.5 million budget deficit in that market alone.

Amwest Ambulance is moving to give employees a raise to keep from losing EMTs. But they can’t afford it long-term, and if Medicaid reimbursements don’t increase, they may also have to stop non-emergency services. It costs the company more than $250 for an average non-emergency transport call, however their Medicaid reimbursement is just $107.

California recently passed a law that could require a $22-an-hour minimum wage for fast food workers. However, there is no mandated pay for EMTs.

thanks Rob

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3-Alarm fire in Oak Park, 10-23-22 (more)

From Steve Redick:

Audio from the 3-Alarm fire in Oak Park, 10-23-22

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Still and Box Alarm fire in Chicago, 12-23-08

This from Dan McInerney – from 14 years ago yesterday:

This was a fire I took in after work in 08

Still and Box at 5922 W Erie, 2 1/2-story frame, 25×50, totally involved. Box on arrival by Truck 29

Got there 3-4 minutes after 96 and the group. 

Tower Ladder 14 members were on the roof.

Right after the 4th image was taken, 2-2-4 ordered members off the roof since there were no lines on the second floor and conditions were deteriorating in the attic beneath them.

#chicagoareafire.com; #ChicagoFD; #DanMcInerney; #Firefighter; #flames;

Dan McInerney photo

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Dan McInerney photo

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Dan McInerney photo

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Dan McInerney photo

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Dan McInerney photo

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Dan McInerney photo

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Dan McInerney photo

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Dan McInerney photo

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Dan McInerney photo

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Dan McInerney photo

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Dan McInerney photo

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Dan McInerney photo

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2-11 Alarm fire in Chicago, 12-24-22

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Decatur FD tower ladder for sale

Found at govdeals.com:

1998 Pierce Arrow 100 ft Platform Fire Truck

Auction Ends.   1/11/23 7:00 PM ET

Remaining.   18 Days 19 Hrs

Refresh Bid & Time

Reserve Not Met

Admin Fee:    7.50%

Starting Bid     $100.00

Bids 6

High Bidder.    n***6

Current Bid.   $2,750.00

Bid Increment.   $25.00

Minimum Bid     $2,775.00

Truck is in working condition. Passed both the Pump and Aerial yearly testing. 100′ platform with dual monitors, 2000 GPM pump

Truck comes with an assortment of ground ladders

Detroit Series 60 engine

Conditions of all items are “As is, Where is”.

Miles: 71,401

Only item described herein is included in sale regardless of what else is pictured.

Under no circumstances will Decatur, IL assume responsibility for packing, loading or shipping.

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Decatur FD photo

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Decatur FD photo

thanks Martin

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3-Alarm fire in Oak Park, 10-23-22

This from Chi-Town Fire Photos:

Oak Park 3-Alarm fire at 227 South Boulevard fire early Friday morning. Companies were faced with fire showing from the 2nd & 3rd floor, which ended up extending into the cockloft and roof. Frigid temperatures well below -30 with the wind, hampered normal tactics. Three master streams, and numerous hand lines were used to combat the fire. 

 
All the shots our on our site
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Chi-Town Fire Photos

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Chi-Town Fire Photos

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Chi-Town Fire Photos

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Chi-Town Fire Photos

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Chi-Town Fire Photos

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Chi-Town Fire Photos

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Chi-Town Fire Photos

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Chi-Town Fire Photos

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Chi-Town Fire Photos

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Chi-Town Fire Photos

 

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