The Alsip Fire Department requested a Full Still Alarm for a fire Tuesday night in the middle of the blizzard at 11902 S. Cicero Avenue. Due to the blizzard conditions, companies coming from the north could not make it over the big bridge which spans a few railroad tracks. The bridge runs from 115th St. to 119th St. on Cicero Ave.
The building measured 50×75, housed a carwash, and was the scene of a Box Alarm fire last year. Companies did not have problems getting water but did have problems with the wind and snow, making Cicero Avenue almost impassable. Mutual aid was from the Garden Homes Fire Protection District with a engine, the Palos Fire Protection District with a truck, and the Crestwood Fire Department with a truck. No one was inside when the fire happened.
Dennis McGuire, Jr. braved the elements and took in the fire. He submitted several images.
Alsip Engine 2033, a 2007 Seagrave TB50DA is on a hydrant on Cicero Avenue in front of the fire building during the storm Tuesday night. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo
Alsip companies hit the remaining hot spots after extinguishing the fire at this commercial building Tuesday night. In addition to fighting the fire, they had to contend with 60mph wind gusts and blowing snow. Dennis McGuire, Jr.
Alsip Truck 2014, a 2003 Seagrave TP55DA with a 100' RM ladder and a 1,500-GPM pump had a 2 1/2" pre-connect off at this fire. A still photo can not convey the magnitude of the wind that was blowing at the time of the fire. Dennis McGire, Jr.
Firefighters pulled a pre-connect off of Engine 2033 that was on a hydrant right in front of the fire building Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo
Ice progressively builds up on the hydrant hookup for Engine 2033. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo
