On 1/5/17 at 2146 hours, Hartford, CT north-end companies were dispatched to the area of Deerfield Ave & Greenfield St. for a structure fire. First due Engine 14 arrived to find heavy smoke showing from a vacant building at 59 Deerfield Ave. Companies made a good push in knocking down fire on floor’s #1&2 but were unable to get into the attic due to holes in the floors. Command decided then to go defensive. Two extra engines and an addition ladder were special called. More pictures at www.squadfirephotos.com
Shortly before 0700 hrs on Friday morning (1/6), Chicago’s 24th Battalion had a working fire in a 2-story frame home on the 13400 block of South Carondolet Ave. The fire appeared to be blowing out of the 1st floor rear windows and a door on the “D” side. This side had very limited access and was separated from a commercial building by only a couple feet. The hydrant directly in front of the home was not working (unknown if frozen or not) and Engine 97 secured water by using a hydrant further down the block on 134th Street. Engine 104 was in a spare. All of the occupants, including the family dog, made it out of the home safely. Eric Haak
Took a ride to the 4300 block of Henderson (in Chicago) for fire in a small house described as hoarder conditions. The house was on a dead-end street to a railroad embankment. The truck arrived first I believe so both engines backed into the block to lead out, eventually both using the same hydrant. Engine 91 hooked up to Engine 7’s gate valve. A massive tree prevented any use of a tower or aerial ladder making roof access by ground ladder only. A tough job for all concerned but carried out in short order. Steve Redick
A few shots from a truck fire in Kitchener Ontario January 3, 2017. The fire was contained to the rear of the truck. The cellulose insulation had to be shoveled from the truck. Box 690 provided rehab.
Firefighters in Chicago’s 5th Battalion rung in the New Year by battling this early morning basement blaze on the 6300 block of South Evans. Companies made an initial interior push before being given orders to evacuate the structure. At that time, the truck was moved from the front of the building and Squad 5’s Snorkel took a position in sector A. With the use of the Snorkel and several hand lines, the fire was brought under control and companies were eventually allowed back in to mop up. The large, frame residence had been vacant for several years. I wish everyone a very happy and prosperous 2017! Eric Haak
At 0700 hrs on Saturday morning (12/31), companies in Chicago’s 6th Battalion were called to this vacant apartment building at 5149 S. Honore Ave. Engine 123 landed with heavy fire in the rear porches and knocked it down with a hand line from the exterior, prevented it from spreading to the occupied building next store. Although there was some extension into the structure, this was held pretty much in check with an interior line through the front door after companies forced entry. Another line was run up Tower Ladder 39 which was used in mopping up hot spots in the attic. The fire was mostly out within minutes. Companies remained on the scene for some time with extensive overhaul but from this amateur’s perspective, it looked like a very efficient and successful stop. Eric Haak
