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Commercial garage fire in Wheeling 1-12-12
Just after 4 AM on Thursday, the Wheeling Police Department received an urgent 9-1-1 call from a homeowner reporting that their detached garage was engulfed in flames. The Wheeling Fire Department was immediately dispatched at exactly 4 AM, and upon arrival, a patrol officer confirmed that the large 16x50-foot garage, which was reportedly used for a commercial landscaping business, was completely ablaze. As soon as the initial units arrived and assessed the situation, the incident commander was informed about the presence of several large storage drums, multiple propane tanks, and an acetylene tank either inside or near the structure. This prompted the alarm to be escalated to a working fire (Code 4), bringing additional resources like a tower ladder from Buffalo Grove, an ambulance from Long Grove, and an engine from Arlington Heights.
By 4:07 AM, the first arriving unit found the massive structure fully involved with flames. Once all sides of the building were inspected, it became clear that there were hazardous materials present, posing significant risks to both firefighters and nearby properties. The fire department quickly mobilized four separate hoses to control the blaze, which had already caused extensive damage to the garage, a skid-steer loader stored inside, and at least one vehicle parked outside. Tragically, the acetylene torch's head had been compromised during the fire, causing the gas to escape and burn freely. Inside the garage, investigators later discovered an array of small machinery and tools typical of a landscaping business, further complicating efforts to extinguish the flames.
As firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the inferno, specialized teams focused on managing the volatile gases while others concentrated on dousing the main fire. One particularly harrowing moment came when an open acetylene tank began releasing flames, requiring immediate attention from the crew. Images captured by photographer Larry Shapiro show firefighters employing various tactics, including deploying pre-connects and utilizing larger 2 ½-inch lines to tackle the intense heat. Meanwhile, reinforcements from neighboring departments arrived to assist in securing the perimeter and ensuring public safety.
Despite their best efforts, the fire ultimately devastated the entire structure, leaving behind only charred remains. Investigators are now tasked with determining the cause of the blaze and assessing any potential links to human error or faulty equipment. In the meantime, local residents have expressed relief that no injuries were reported but remain concerned about similar risks in their community. Larry Shapiro generously shared his photographs documenting this dramatic event, offering a glimpse into the bravery and skill displayed by emergency responders that night. A comprehensive gallery featuring more of these powerful images can be viewed here, providing insight into the challenges faced by those who risk everything to protect others. Additionally, a video capturing key moments from the response will be published later today.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced daily by firefighters and underscores the importance of vigilance when handling flammable substances. It also highlights the critical role of timely communication between law enforcement and emergency services in ensuring swift action during crises.