Posts Tagged Skokie Tower 16

Skokie Box Alarm 12-12-11

The Skokie Fire Department received a call this morning reporting a building on fire in the 8700 block of Kimball Avenue. The caller stated that there had been an explosion and there was heavy fire. Skokie units responded and found the entire front of the two-story building at 8734 Kimball Avenue had been blown out. There was fire throughout the building and an injured party in the front yard area. The alarm was elevated to a Box Alarm which brought all Skokie companies to the scene plus an engine from Wilmette, a squad from Morton Grove, and a truck from Evanston in addition to companies to cover the Skokie stations.

The victim was reported to be in serious condition. The building fire was knocked down within 20 minutes and companies remained on the scene for much of the day. The instability of the structure prevented companies from conducting any interior searches. The building is scheduled for demolition on Tuesday morning.

Hank Sajovic, Tim Olk and Larry Shapiro all took in the fire and will have images to view.

Skokie building explosion 12-12-11 Kimball Avenue

The front of the two-story building at 8734 Kimball Avenue in Skokie was blown completely out. Hank Sajovic photo

Skokie building explosion 12-12-11 Kimball Avenue

Skokie Truck 18 had the front of the building and Engine 17 is off to the right side of the photo. Larry Shapiro photo

Skokie building explosion 12-12-11 Kimball Avenue

Light smoke escapes from the rear of the building as firefighters extinguish the fires. Tim Olk photo

Skokie building explosion 12-12-11 Kimball Avenue

Two elevated master streams continue to pour water into the building since firefighters were unable to make entry. Tim Olk photo

Skokie building explosion 12-12-11 Kimball Avenue

The cause of the explosion is under investigation. Tim Olk photo

Skokie building explosion 12-12-11 Kimball Avenue

A view from the south shows the damage to the building. Skokie Tower 16 can be seen flowing water in the distance. Larry Shapiro photo

Skokie building explosion 12-12-11 Kimball Avenue

Skokie Tower 16 setup in the parking lot to the north and was flowing water across the neighboring building. Larry Shapiro photo

Skokie building explosion 12-12-11 Kimball Avenue

The building was unoccupied at the time of the explosion and was undergoing renovations. Larry Shapiro photo

News coverage can be found HERE, HERE, and HERE.

Larry has a gallery HERE.

Tim has a gallery HERE.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Skokie responds to man trapped under a car

Jeff Rudolph submitted images from a response in Skokie this week and provided the following description:

08/30/11 – 1500hrs; 7700 blk. of Kilbourn
Came in as a report of a child pinned under a vehicle. Skokie dispatched a full extrication assignment of 2 engines, a truck, the squad, an ambulance, and B/C. On arrival, Engine 16 determined it was not in fact a child, but an adult male ( who was slightly intoxicated ) . He had jacked up one side of his car and slid under to make some repairs to his exhaust. He got himself wedged under the exhaust, and his buddy ( who was slightly intoxicated ) attempted to help, but only made matters worse. When Squad 18 arrived, they chocked the vehicle and used airbags to lift it off of him. He slid out with only some minor abrasions, did not want transport, and his exhaust was still in need of repair.
Skokie Fire Department man stuck under a car 8-30-11

Skokie firefighters responded to a man trapped under a car in the 7700 block of Kilbourn. Jeff Rudolph photo

Skokie Fire Department man stuck under a car 8-30-11

A man attempting to perform repairs underneath his car became stuck and needed the help of firefighters to get out. Jeff Rudolph photo

Skokie Fire Department man stuck under a car 8-30-11

Firefighters used airbags to lift the car so they could remove get the man out. Jeff Rudolph photo

Skokie Fire Department man stuck under a car 8-30-11

After the car was chocked and the rear was elevated with air bags, firefighters were able to assist the man out from underneath the car. Jeff Rudolpho photo

Skokie Fire Department man stuck under a car 8-30-11

After being pulled free from the car, the man was not injured and refused transport to the hospital. Jeff Rudolph photo

Skokie Fire Department Tower Ladder 16 Pierce Dash tower ladder

Skokie Tower 16 was one of the companies dispatched tot he scene. Jeff Rudolph photo

Skokie Fire Department man stuck under a car 8-30-11

Skokie Battalion 16. Jeff Rudolph photo

Jeff has more photos HERE.

Tags: , , , , , ,

Skokie Tower 16 update

In a follow-up to the posting and discussions of Skokie Tower 16, Jeff Rudolph photographed the truck and submitted photos. Jeff reiterates that Tower 16 is not inservice yet.

Skokie Fire Department Tower Ladder 16

Skokie Tower 16, 1995/2011 Pierce Lance 1500/250 100' tower ladder. Jeff Rudolph photo

Skokie Tower Ladder 16

New decal at the pedestal of Tower 16. Jeff Rudolph photo

Tags: , , ,

Skokie’s Pirsch Snorkel

Skokie Fire Department 1969 Pirsch Snorkel

Skokie Snorkel 1 (later Truck 16) when it was in-service. Steve Redick photo

Jeff Rudolph spotted a familiar relic.

Skokie’s old ’69 Pirsch Snorkel. It was sadly heading to a scrapyard in Wisconsin.  It was picked up from Jim Carews place in Bristol, WI.  After it was placed out of service in the mid 90’s it was sold to Wally Mitchel, then Jim. It was used to put up radio towers and antennas. Take note of the missing basket, as well as anything else that was on it. Also look at the trailer its being hauled on. The guy only made it 1 mile and a State Trooper had him pulled over for an unsafe load.

Skokie Fire Department Pirsch Snorkel

The remnants of Skokie Truck 16, a 1969 Pirsch Snorkel heading to a scrap yard. Jeff Rudolph photo

Skokie Fire Department Pirsch Snorkel

A rear view of the Snorkel shows the bucket is missing. Jeff Rudolph photo

In other Skokie Fire Department news, Jeff mentions the following;

  • Tower 16 is back from being refurbished by Pierce. It is not yet in service.
  • Engine 17’s Pierce Saber will be in Tipton, IN at RPI for several months being refurbished.

Tags: , , , , , , ,