This from Drew Smith:
In July of 2018 the PHFD faced its largest ever fire, and one of the largest fires in the northern suburbs, at the River Trails condos. Reaching 5 alarms, two special alarms, and an interdivisional task force, more than 200 firefithers and 50 companies fought the fire.
Fire photographer Steve Redick, a retired Chicago FD dispatcher, created this compilation of radio traffic and his photos and videos that chronicles the start to finish. The 45 minutes is worth a look.
This from Steve Redick:
This last Wednesday I attended the major fire in a condo complex that destroyed 3 full buildings and part of a 4th in Prospect Heights. 96 Units were damaged or destroyed leaving many homeless. The fire began in a second floor unit in a very remote section of the complex and penetrated the mansard style roof and cockloft/ attic space. Tremendous efforts were made in the form of multiple trench cuts and opening the mansard in several places as well as a great deal of interior operations. In the end several master streams were also utilized. It has been said this is the largest MABAS response in the area since the Arlington Park Racetrack fire many years ago. Enclosed are a few images from the 4 hours I was there observing. All the images can be seen here on my website.I am also enclosing an aerial view of the complex.Steve
Steve Redick photo
Steve Redick photo
Steve Redick photo
Steve Redick photo
Steve Redick photo
Steve Redick photo
Steve Redick photo
Steve Redick photo
Steve Redick photo
Steve Redick photo
This from Nick Neziri:
A few photos I took of the Prospect Heights 5th Alarm on 07/18/2018.
-Nick Neziri
Nick Neziri photo
more photos from the 5-Alarm fire with 2 Specials and a 2-Alarm EMS Box in Prospect Heights, 7-18-18
Chi-Town Fire Photos
Chi-Town Fire Photos
Chi-Town Fire Photos
Chi-Town Fire Photos
Photos from Dan McInerney of the 5-Alarm fire with 2 Specials and a 2-Alarm EMS Box in Prospect Heights, 7-18-18
Dan McInerney photo
This from Larry Shapiro:
Here is the next set of photos from the 5-Alarm fire with 2 Specials and a 2-Alarm EMS Box in Prospect Heights, 7-18-18 taken after my previous submission.
Larry Shapiro photo
Some images from early in the 5-Alarm fire with 2 Specials and a 2-Alarm EMS Box in Prospect Heights, 7-18-18
Larry Shapiro photo
More on the 3-Alarm fatal fire in Bensenville, 11-19-17
This from Steve Redick:
Took this job in a week ago. Originated as a fire alarm and was filled out to a full response before FD arrival. One civilian fatality, presumably from the fire apartment. When I arrived fire was in the attic space and working it’s way throughout. Water supply was a problem as I was told they have small mains in the area. The smoke conditions here were pretty amazing, very fluid and constantly changing. The really noteworthy things from a “fire fan” perspective was the first use of the brand new Bensenville rearmount E-ONE quint and the first use of Chicago FD Squad 7’s Snorkel. Squad 7 is quartered at rescue station 3 at O’Hare field and has a response area that extends to the northwest side of the city proper, and as in this case, is due on some MABAS alarms in the surrounding suburbs. Their rig is the only one of the four squad sets ordered that is lime green and really doesn’t see much fire duty where an elevated master stream is used. The rig was really put to the test at this job. I am enclosing a few of my favorite images and I would encourage you to see the video and all the images here:Steve Redick
Steve Redick photo
Steve Redick photo
Steve Redick photo
Steve Redick photo
Steve Redick photo
Steve Redick photoChicago FD Squad 7A battling a fire
Steve Redick photo
Steve Redick photo
Steve Redick photo
Steve Redick photo
For the finest department portraits and composites contact Tim Olk or Larry Shapiro.
