I took in the a 4-11 Alarm yesterday at Peterson & Lincoln on the north end of the city. I wasn’t too far away, otherwise rush hour traffic and the location probably would have stopped me from taking this in. The first response was for a report of smoke on the roof. The Still Alarm engine, (71) reported a fire and requested a Box Alarm. When the Deputy District Chief 2-2-2 arrived, he upgraded to a 2-11 Alarm, which was followed later by the 3-11 and then finally the 4-11. Additionally, two additional trucks and one additional tower ladder were called to the scene.
Engine 71 had a deck gun going in Sector 4 on Albany and they really had a fight on their hands with massive fire and smoke to contend with. Eventually they had to move to a more secure spot. Three tower ladders, one truck, and Squad 2’s Snorkel had elevated master streams deployed in addition to several multi-versals and hand lines. Four stores were destroyed by the fire and at least one more sustained heavy damage from smoke and the fire department’s efforts to stop the fire from traveling further.
Roofers working at the time are a probable cause for this fire.
I am working a a video which will post when it’s completed.
Another early view of the scene with heavy smoke and some fire visible. Larry Shapiro photo
Roofing supplies are visible as smoke belches from every vent and crevice. . Larry Shapiro photo
An early view of the scene with fire traveling along the rear of the stores. . Larry Shapiro photo
Squad 2’s Snorkel waits for water. Larry Shapiro photo
Chicago Engine 71 faces down a wall of fire. . Larry Shapiro photo
Chicago Truck 38 rigs the line for an elevated stream. Larry Shapiro photo
Engine 71 operating the deck gun. Larry Shapiro photo
Engine 71 is dwarfed by the massive flames. Larry Shapiro photo
Massive fireball erupts from the roof of the building covered with roofing materials. . Larry Shapiro photo
Another fireball, this time in the center of the building. Larry Shapiro photo
Heavy fire in the furniture store and through the roof. . Larry Shapiro photo
Heavy fire and smoke spills over on the east side of the fire building. Larry Shapiro photo
One of three tower ladders sets up. Larry Shapiro photo
Chicago Tower Ladder 23 sets up to go to work. Larry Shapiro photo
A view of Sector 1 after the Snorkel went to work. Larry Shapiro photo
A fireball erupts behind the tower ladder. Larry Shapiro photo
The mattress store is gutted. An early view of the scene with fire traveling along the rear of the stores. Larry Shapiro photo
That shot of the fire ball erupting behind Tower 23 is fantastic!