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.