Chicago responded to a reported fire in a church at 3450 W. 15th Street around 6AM this morning. First arriving units encountered heavy smoke and fire in a 50×150 2 1/2-story brick church and immediately requested a Box Alarm. Tower Ladder 5 and Squad 1 went to work right away before a special call was made for the reserve Snorkel. Fire was traveling fro the front towards the rear of the structure and a 2-11 Alarm was sounded.
Companies made quick work of knocking down the fire and preventing further spread. The majority of the 2-11 companies were never used.
Gordon J. Nord, Jr., Tim Olk, and Steve Redick went to the scene though the fire was basically out prior to any of them arriving. Tim and Steve submitted several images.
Engine 38 was the first engine on the scene and was on a hydrant on 15th Street just past the fire building. Steve Redick photo
Chicago Tower 5 deployed in front put their but right at the big stained glass window for a vantage point into the church. Tim Olk photo
Firefighters from Tower 5 complete overhaul in the large window opening. Tim Olk photo
Squad 1 was setup in the rear of the structure and put firefighters onto the roof. Tim Olk photo
Engine 107, the second-due engine, was on the south side of the building on 15th Street in Sector 1. Tim Olk photo
An interior view showing some of the damage to the building. Tim Olk photo
Reserve Snorkel 1 (6-6-1) was special called to the scene from Engine 35's house but was never put to work. Steve Redick photo
A brief article by the Chicago Tribune is HERE.
