Firefighters from Squad 2 cut into an overhead door for access to the exposure building. Larry Shapiro photo Fire blows out of a window on the west side of the building as Tower Ladder 10 maneuvers into position to hit the flames. Larry Shapiro photo After a vertical collapse of three floors, heavy fire silhouettes the remaining wall as master streams are directed at the flames from the alley and a neighboring building. Larry Shapiro photo Thick smoke pushes out of the upper floors of the building on the south side as Tower Ladder 10 works its way across the face. Larry Shapiro photo Tower Ladder 23 and Squad 2A prepare to put elevated master streams into operation. Larry Shapiro photo Squad 2A and Tower Ladder 23 work along the east side of the four-story building. Larry Shapiro photo Reserve Snorkel 1 out of Engine 35’s house was brought to the scene. Larry Shapiro photo A Level I haz mat was requested so that this soap-like solution bubbling out of the sewer could be analyzed. Larry Shapiro photo 5-1-2 responded in the spare haz mat unit as painted and lettered for the TV show being filmed in Chicago. Larry Shapiro photo The large number of master streams required in-line pumping operations down Elston Avenue to the southeast, and another originating on Belmont and traveling down Rockwell to Engine 78. Larry Shapiro photo Hose Wagon 6-1-2 came with Engine 26 who anchored an in-line operation with four other engines. Larry Shapiro photo Two tower ladders and three multi-versals continued to work along Nelson after a large section of the wall collapsed. Larry Shapiro photo Barry Avenue in the rear of the fire scene looked like a small lake as the water runoff overwhelmed the sewer system seven hours into the fire. Larry Shapiro photo Eight hours into the operation, the fire burned through a section of the roof that was still intact after master streams were shut down to allow the fire to vent itself. Larry Shapiro photo Turret Wagon 6-7-6 came all the way from Engine 104’s quarters since 6-7-3 (the north side turret wagon) was out of service. Somewhat of a rare image here as the unit sees very little service. Larry Shapiro photo Logistics System,Orbital Rotating Machine,Rail Guided Vehicle,Lightweight Electric Chain Hoist,Moving Machine,Floor trucks,transfer trolley Xinbai Plating(jiangsu) Intelligent Technology Co.,Ltd , https://www.hotgalvanizing.com
Chicago 5-11 Alarm 9-30-12 (update 1)
Steve Redick shared a video capturing radio communications from Sunday morning’s 5-11 alarm and Level I incident at 2620 W. Nelson. He was on-site for five hours, documenting the unfolding events.
A total of 19 engines were deployed at the scene, including units 106, 91, 76, 78, 112, 124, 43, 110, 56, 55, 57, 59, 14, 30, 22, 26, 44, 94, and 69. Additionally, three tower ladders (10, 21, 23), two Snorkels (S2A, 6-1-1), and seven multi-versals were used to manage the fire.
Larry Shapiro captured several images during his eight-hour shift at the scene. His photos provide a powerful visual record of the intense firefighting efforts.
Chicago’s specialty units were also involved, including the 1982 85′ reserve Snorkel (6-6-1), turret wagon 6-7-6 from Engine 104, the MVU (9-2-4), hose wagon 6-1-2, 5-1-2 from O’Hare, 5-7-2 from Engine 68, and 2-7-2. Unit 9-1-3 was on scene but not used.
Four large-diameter lines fed Turret Wagon 6-7-6, allowing both guns to be deployed in an effort to knock down some of the exterior walls for better access to the remaining fire.
A large gallery of images can be found HERE.
We’re looking forward to seeing more photos from Tim Olk, who was at the scene for 12 hours, including the initial demolition of the building by a wrecking company.