This from Eric Haak about this morning’s 2-11 in the city:
Just before 04:43 hrs, Chicago Fire Department Engine 47 and Truck 30 pulled up to find fire showing from the first floor of a 3-story, 75×100, mixed occupancy building at 6427 S. Cottage Grove. Within two minutes, Battalion 17 called for the Still & Box and reported that the stairs leading to the upper floors had been compromised. Access to the second and third floors had to be made via ground ladders. At 04:50 hrs, Battalion 17 called for the 2-11 as fire vented from the roof and jeopardized the rear porches. Things were brought under control relatively quickly after that and the 2-11 Alarm was struck at 05:18.

Engine 63 in front of the fire building. Eric Haak photo

Truck 30 and Truck 16 with their aerials to the roof. Eric Haak photo

The interior stairs were compromised, so access to the upper floors was via ground ladders. Eric Haak photo

Engine 47 was the first engine on the scene. Eric Haak photo