The Glenview Fire Department responded to a report of smoke in the building in unincorporated Cook County at 3521 Central Road just before 10PM. Additional calls reported a fire in a third floor unit of the three-story apartment building and that a resident on the balcony might jump. Glenview Engine 7 was the first fire unit on the scene and found heavy fire pushing out of a third floor unit with a frantic tenant on the balcony. They upgraded the alarm to a box alarm.
As firefighters prepared for a rescue, they urged the occupant not to jump. Subsequently the resident escaped by climbing to the adjacent balcony and then dropping down one floor as firefighters were able to get a ground ladder in place.
The fire was knocked down quickly with some extension to the neighboring unit. Three Glenview engines were pumping at the scene and Truck 14 had their main to the roof. Mutual aid companies included Northfield Squad 29, North Maine Engine 1 and Battalion 1, Niles Engine, Ambulance, and Battalion 2, Morton Grove Engine 5 and Squad 4, Northbrook Truck 12, Wilmette Tower 26, and Mt. Prospect Engine 14.
Tim Olk and Larry Shapiro went to the scene but both arrived after the fire had been knocked down. A few images have been posted from the scene.
Glenview Engine 6 had a hydrant west of the fire building. Larry Shapiro photo
Firefighters overhaul the balcony and mansard roof. Larry Shapiro photo
Glenview and mutual aid companies overhaul from the roof. Larry Shapiro photo
Wetting down in the void spaces above the adjoining unit. Larry Shapiro photo
Glenview Engine 13 was supplying Engine 7 closer to the fire unit. Larry Shapiro photo
