Posts Tagged Snorkel

Chicago Still Alarm 57th and Normal

Dec 2

Posted by bgshap in Apparatus on-scene, Fire, Fire Department News | 7 Comments

Chicago Still Alarm fire 57th and Normal

The 2-1/2 story frame at 57th and Normal after the fire had been knocked down. Steve Redick photo

Steve Redick took in a fire on Thursday morning and had the following to say about it:

One of the benefits of working the goofy hours I do is being on the street at off-peak times. On the way in last night I was able to make a quick stop at this working still…2-1/2 story frame, vacant, and well involved upon CFD arrival. An exposure problem with exposure two and they were setting up the Snorkel. I arrived in pretty good time but they had already given it a good whack. Squad 5 was positioned in the vacant lot, but from I could tell was not used as a master stream. They had just gotten off the roof, but it was nice to see truck 51’s new Crimson at work. I noticed Truck 18 was running with a lettered spare..but it was a Pierce in really good shape..kind’a surprising. I only had a coupl’a minutes so I had to shoot and run….

Squad 5's Snorkel sits in a vacant lot adjacent to the fire building. Steve Redick photo

Chicago Still Alarm fire 57th and Normal Chicago Truck 51 Crimson aerial

Chicago Truck 51 had the front of the building with their new Spartan/Crimson 103' aerial. Steve Redick photo

Chicago Still Alarm fire 57th and Normal Chicago Engine 84

Engine 84 was on a hydrant next door to the fire building. Steve Redick photo

Firefighters work on the second floor of the vacant dwelling hitting hot spots and performing overhaul. Steve Redick photo

Truck 51 from the rear shows the jack spread and reflective striping. Steve Redick photo

Chicago Still Alarm fire 57th and Normal Chicago Engine 50

Engine 50 was the second engine on the scene. Steve Redick photo

Tags: Chicago Crimson aerial, Chicago Engine 50, Chicago Engine 84, Chicago Fire Department, Chicago Snorkel Squad, Chicago Squad 5, Chicago Still & Box, Chicago Truck 51, Crimson aerial ladder, Snorkel, Steve Redick

Peotone Fire Protection District update

Nov 25

Posted by bgshap in Fire Department News, New Delivery | Comments off

Another report from Bill Friedrich:

The Peotone FPD has placed two new pieces of apparatus in service. SS10, which came to them from the Normal FD has now been lettered for The Peotone FPD.

Snorkel Squad 10 - 1980 Seagrave with RPI conversion and 1,250-GPM pump with 300 gallons of water and a 50' Snorkel (formerly of Normal, IL). Bill Friedrich photo

In addition, Brush 14 was placed in service in 2011. The skid-unit for this rig came off their old brush truck.

Peontone Brush 14 is a 2011 Ford F-550 pickup with a 125-GPM pump, 250 gallons of water and 20 gallons of foam. The unit was put together by the department. Bill Friedrich photo

Tags: 50' Snorkel on a Seagrave chassis, Bill Friedrich, new brush unit, Normal Fire Department, Peotone Fire Department, Peotone Fire Protection District, Snorkel

Orland apparatus photos

Nov 4

Posted by bgshap in Fire Department News, Reader submission | 3 Comments

Scott Peterson visited the Orland Fire Protection District recently for some training and submitted photos of several rigs.

Orland Fire Protection District Engine 2 Spartan Darley

Orland Engine 2 is one of three 2008 Darley engines built with a Spartan Gladiator cab and chassis. Scott Peterson photo

Orland Fire Protection District Engine 8 Pierce Saber

Orland Engine 8 is a 1999 Pierce Saber out of Station 3 as a spare. This was formerly Engine 3. Scott Peterson photo

… and another area 55′ Snorkel!!!!!

Orland Fire Protection District Snorkel 6604 Spartan Darley

This 1988 55' Snorkel built by Darley on a Spartan Gladiator chassis is out of service. Scott Peterson photo

Tags: 55' Snorkel, Darley, Orland Fire Protection District, Pierce Saber pumper, Scott Peterson, Snorkel, Spartan Gladiator, W.S. Darley

Peotone buys Snorkel

Oct 30

Posted by bgshap in Fire Service News | 18 Comments

Bill Friedrich provided the following information about the Peotone Fire Protection District

Fire Chief Bill Schreiber is pleased to announce the arrival of his newest vehicle in the fleet. They purchased this vehicle from the Normal FD in McLean County. Bill expects this vehicle to go in service some time during November. He also reports this vehicle is not replacing anything.

Peotone Fire Protection District Snorkel Normal Fire Department

Peotone purchased this 1979 Seagrave P-Series 50' Snorkel from the Normal Fire Department in central Illinois. It has a 1,250-GPM pump and carries 500 gallons of water. The cab enclosure and other bodywork was done by RPI in Tipton, IN. Bill Friedrich photo

Normal Fire Department Seagrave 50' Snorkel

Prior to the refurb and cab enclosure, this is how the Snorkel looked originally. Bill Friedrich photo

Chief Schreiber sent a few images of the unit when it arrived and Peotone personnel tried it out.

The Snorkel when it arrived in Peotone. Bill Schreiber photo

Peotone Fire Protection District Snorkel

Members of the Peotone Fire Protection District tested their 'new' Snorkel. Bill Schreiber photo

Another view of the 'new' Snorkel being worked. Bill Schreiber photo

Tags: 50' Snorkel, Bill Friedrich, Normal Fire Department, Peotone Fire Chief Bill Schreiber, Peotone Fire Department, Seagrave Snorkel, Snorkel, Snorkel on a Seagrave chassis, used Snorkel

St. Charles 2nd Alarm 6/1/11

Jun 5

Posted by bgshap in Apparatus on-scene, Fire, Fire Service News, Reader submission | 2 Comments

The St. Charles Fire Department worked a 2nd Alarm fire on Wednesday at Salerno’s on the Fox restaurant. The Sun-Times has an article HERE and the Tribune has an article HERE.

No injuries were reported in the fire at Salerno’s on the Fox, 320 N. 2nd Street.

Fire Chief Patrick Mullen said the fire was reported at 5:24 p.m. and that smoke could be seen coming from the back of the one-story restaurant.

“It looks like the area of origin was around the gas meters,” Mullen said. “It’s a blow-torch.”

Firefighters from 10 area departments continuously poured water on stubborn flames fed by a ruptured natural gas line.

John Tulipano went to the scene and submitted several images of the apparatus that responded.

St Charles Engine 103 was on a hydrant down the street. John Tulipano photo

Geneva was one of the departments that responded to the fire. Truck 206, a Pierce Snorkel is staged down the block. John Tulipano photo

Geneva also sent Engine 208, a Pierce Enforcer. John Tulipano photo

Elburn & Countryside Engine 302, a Spartan/Alexis top-mount was also parked in staging. John Tulipano photo

Batavia Truck 1, a Pierce Dash tower ladder was not put to work. John Tulipano photo

Batavia also sent Engine 2, a 2009 Pierce Arrow XT. John Tulipano photo

The new Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue Department responded with Engine 1823, a 1992 Spartan/Alexis 1,250-GPM engine (X-North Park,IL). John Tulipano photo

John has additional images HERE.

Tags: Alexis, Batavia Fire Department, Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue District, Geneva Fire Department, John Tulipano, North Park Fire Department, Pierce, Pierce Arrow XT, salerno's on the Fox restaurant fire, Snorkel, Spartan Metro Star, St Charles Fire Department

Wilmette historic gallery is added

May 31

Posted by bgshap in Fire Department History, Fire Department News, Reader submission, updated listing | Comments off

Apparatus photos dating back to 1958 representing the Wilmette Fire Department have been assembled into a gallery which is accessible through the ‘Historic Photos’ button on the pages depicting the Wilmette stations. Images to date are from Bill Friedrich, Karl Klotz, and Larry Shapiro plus several from the collection of Jeff Schielke.

Wilmette Fire Department E-ONE Cyclone engine

In years past the fleet consisted of Seagrave apparatus and then beginning in the 1980s the department started to move the fleet to include units built by E-ONE. Today, as in years past, Wilmette staffs two stations, though the manner in which they run apparatus has changed. The west station, Station 2 runs an engine plus an ambulance and is home to the spare engine. The headquarters station has a battalion chief, an ambulance, and a tower ladder. On any given day if they are at full manning, the squad will be put into service to chase the ambulance. In reserve at this station is another tower ladder which insures that they will always have a tower in service regardless of maintenance or other issues that require taking the frontline piece out of service.

Throughout the 70s and into the mid-80s Wilmette had two trucks on the roster like they do today. They ran a 1962 Seagrave mid-mount ladder truck and a 1975 Seagrave 55′ Snorkel.

Sadly, we don’t as of yet have images of the Cadillac ambulances.

Tags: 55' Snorkel, Bill Friedrich, E-ONE Cyclone, E-ONE Cyclone II, E-ONE tower ladder, fire department history, historic gallery, historic truck photos, Jeff Schielke, Karl Klotz, Larry Shapiro, photo history, Seagrave 50th Anniversary series, Seagrave engine, Seagrave mid-mount ladder, Snorkel, Wilmette Fire Department

Historic galleries coming

May 9

Posted by bgshap in Fire Department History, Site News | 3 Comments

We are currently preparing historic photo galleries for the Niles Fire Department and the Wilmette Fire Department, both in MABAS Division 3. If any readers have images that they would like to submit for inclusion in these galleries, please send them to the webmaster@chicagoareafire.com.

Some images from the Niles gallery:

Niles Fire Department antique squad truck

Niles Fire Department 1962 FWD Pitman Snorkel

Some images from the Wilmette gallery:

Wilmette Fire Department 1958 Geagrave engine 50th Anniversart

Wilmette Fire Department 1962 Seagrave mid-mount quint

Tags: fire department history, historic truck photos, Larry Shapiro, Niles Fire Department, photo history, Pirsch engine, Seagrave 50th Anniversary series, Seagrave engine, Seagrave mid-mount ladder, Snorkel, Steve Redick, Wilmette Fire Department

Western Springs history added

Apr 20

Posted by bgshap in Fire Department History, Fire Department News, Site News, updated listing | Comments off

Western Springs Fire Department Cadillac ambulance

The Western Springs Fire Department photo history has been added to their page. Located in MABAS Division 10, Western Springs has a rich history featuring Ward LaFrance, FWD, Seagrave, E-ONE, American LaFrance, and Pierce apparatus. Originally white, their rigs transitioned to white over red beginning with an American LaFrance Ladder Chief Quint in 1977. Three of their units were repainted to accommodate the change. These were the 1977 E-ONE, 1975 Seagrave, and the 1982 Pierce.

Western Springs Fire Department Ward LaFrance Fireball

Western Springs Fire Department American LaFrance Ladder Chief Quint

Tags: American LaFrance, American LaFrance Ladder Chief Quint, Bill Friedrich, Cadillac ambulance, E-ONE, fire department history, FWD, historic gallery, historic truck photos, Larry Shapiro, MABAS Division 10, Miller Meteor ambulance, Pierce Arrow, Pitman Snorkel, Snorkel, Ward LaFrance Fireball, Western Springs Fire Department

Winnetka updates their apparatus

Mar 23

Posted by bgshap in Fire Department History, Fire Department News, New Delivery | 1 Comment

The Winnetka Fire Department in MABAS Division 3 has placed their new quint into service which ushers in a new look for the department. The 2010 Smeal was delivered with a black roof and the department designed a new door seal. The design is a maltese cross in gold and black which incorporates both the Winnetka and Kenilworth names. Engine 28, the 2000 Pierce Saber received a black top, the new decal, and new striping. Ambulance 28 also has the new decal and striping. As of now, Engine 28R and Ambulance 28R both have the original look and the previous door decal.

Winnetka Fire Department Truck 28 2010 Smeal Sirius quint

Winnetka recently disposed of this 1990 Pierce Arrow 75' quint. Larry Shapiro photo

This is how Truck 28 looked when it was retired. It had their most recent door seal and two-tone striping.

Winnetka Fire Department Truck 28 Pierce Arrow

Winnetka Truck 28 had a 1,250-GPM pump and carried 300 gallons of water. Larry Shapiro photo

When Winnetka received Truck 28 in 1990, the original graphics were much simpler and the door seal featured the sun rising on at the lake.

Winnetka Fire Department American LaFrance mid-mount aerial

Winnetka ran this American LaFrance 900-Series mid-mount aerial prior to receiving the Pierce in 1990. Larry Shapiro photo

Before Winnetka changed their numbering to Station 28 as part of MABAS Division 3, their rigs carried unit numbers in the ’70s’. Truck 70, shown here, preceded Truck 28 as one of Winnetka’s two aerial devices. They also had a 55-foot Snorkel in the house.

Winnetka Fire Department Engine 28 Pierce Saber

Winnetka Engine 28 now sports a black roof plus a triple stripe with the new door seal.

Engine 28 formerly had a white roof and blue door seal. Larry Shapiro photo

The previous design for Engine 28 had lettering on the rear door listing both Winnetka and Kenilworth. These names were included in the new door seal leaving more room for a nice graphic showing the unit number.

Engine 28 as it was delivered from Pierce in 2000. Larry Shapiro photo

When Engine 28 was purchased, it had the rising sun door decal matching the truck shown above.

Tags: American LaFrance 900 series mid-mount ladder, Freightliner M2 106, Larry Shapiro, MABAS Division 3, Medtec Ambulance, new decal, Pierce Arrow, Pierce Saber, quint, Smeal Sirius, Snorkel, Winnetka Fire Department, Winnetka-Kenilworth Fire Department

Chicago 2-11 on Milwaukee Ave 2-9-11

Feb 10

Posted by bgshap in Fire, Fire Department News | 2 Comments

Chicago firefighters responded to a fire at Andy’s Deli at 5442 N. Milwaukee Avenue Wednesday evening. First arriving companies found fire in the commercial occupancy and initially had trouble securing a water supply due to several frozen hydrants in the area. The fire attack went defensive partially due to concerns about the integrity of the roof and a 2-11 Alarm was requested. Two tower ladders and Squad 2’s Snorkel applied water from their buckets and Truck 55 had their main in the air with a master stream in place. A special call was made for the Mobile Ventilation Unit (9-2-3) from Engine 106’s quarters and it was put to work in Sector 1 to push the fire to the rear and through the roof to allow companies to get at it since much of the roof had remained intact.

Steve Redick took in the fire as did Larry Shapiro. A gallery of images by Larry Shapiro can be seen HERE.

A gallery link to images by Steve Redick is HERE.

Here are a few images from the scene.

The Chicago Tribune has a brief article HERE.

Chicago Fire Department 2-11 Andy's Deli 2-9-11

A view of Sector 1 shows smoke but no visible fire. Since much of the roof remained intact, space was cleared out to allow access for the Mobile Ventilation Unit. Larry Shapiro photo

Since the fire was in the center of the building and the roof was largely intact, the MVU 9-2-3 was setup in front of the building to fan the fire so that firefighters could attack it without entering the premises. Larry Shapiro photo

A view from the alley shows heavy smoke pushing out of the rear because of the MVU on the street in front. Larry Shapiro photo

Engine 119 had a hydrant at one end of the alley where it meets Menard. Sewers were blocked and a large amount of water built up in the alley and down Menard. Larry Shapiro photo

Engine 83 brought Light Wagon 9-1-3 to the scene, as one is due at each 2-11 alarm fire in the city. Towards the end of the event, it was brought to Sector 1 and put to work offering firefighters greater visibility to direct handlines deep into the building from the sidewalk. Larry Shapiro photo

As companies began to break down their lines, most encountered hose with water that had frozen. They had to wrestle with the rigid hose to get it onto the engines and in some cases along the aerial bed of ladders for the trip back to quarters. There, companies repacked with new hose and dealt with the frozen hose in whatever manner they could. Larry Shapiro photo