Firefighters encountered heavy smoke pushing out from the entire house on arrival. Stephen Wilcox photo
Stephen Wilcox has submitted images and information about yet another fire in western Dupage County (MABAS Division 12) that occurred last month. Here is what he had to say:
Wheaton Fire: 419 N. Ellis on 6/17/11 @ 0447 hours. The structure, circa 1900, balloon frame, lath & plaster, knob and tube wiring construction. Warm, humid conditions on arrival. Fire was located on all floors and in the attic. Neighbors told members they thought someone was still inside. The extra alarm covered these three items. Several handlines, six ground ladders were used. (Family was returning from the Far East.)
A Wheaton firefighter ventilates windows on the side of the house as companies in front make entry. Stephen Wilcox photo
Wheaton Truck Company 417 goes to work opening the roof. Stephen Wilcox photo
A West Chicago firefighter on a ladder takes out a second floor window before he can perform a search. VENT, ENTER, SEARCH. Stephen Wilcox photo
After clearing the window, the firefighter enters the bedroom to perform a primary search for occupants. He made a quick search, came out, moved the ladder to the next window and repeated the operation. Stephen Wilcox photo
Members are picking up as the sun shines on a 20-story building, #1 Wheaton Center. Wheaton Truck 417 was the first-due truck to the fire. Stephen Wilcox photo
The area of origin beneath the staircase facilitated the rapid fire spread. Stephen Wilcox photo
