The city had been buffeted by sustained high winds for a full day at the time of this job, and still high wind gusts throughout the event as well as miserably cold conditions. Two buildings were involved with some minor communication to a 3rd larger building. I believe the original fire building may have been a pizza joint. Rumor had it that high winds caused arcing power lines which ignited the siding, though I’m not sure how accurate this is. The streets in this area were raised so from street level they appear to be single-story buildings but in the rear they are two stories, a unique situation in this area. All the photos and video can be seen here: Steve Redick
This bunch of photos is from a fire in the 4th Battalion @ Mansfield X Kendall on 3/11/19 in Detroit. Crews had a tough time bringing the fire under control at this one. Big joint, about 50’x75′ with a gambrel roof.
03/12/19 – A plumber soldering pipes in a sixth floor bathroom touched off a fire which burned unnoticed for an undetermined amount of time. The fire is believed to have spread via a pipe chase and into the cockloft before being noticed and reported. It then spread rapidly throughout the cockloft of this block-long, occupied, multiple dwelling. Firefighters were outmatched as the fire had a head start on them. They were soon called off the roof and out of the building as conditions rapidly deteriorated. Multiple alarms were rapidly transmitted to bring all of Yonker’s firefighting force to the scene. Additional companies were brought in from surrounding towns throughout lower Westchester County to help fight the blaze. The fire burned across the entire complex before dropping down into apartments throughout the building. Multiple ladders, master streams, and hand lines from surrounding rooftops were deployed. The fire burned for close to twelve hours before being declared under control at five a.m the next morning. Hundreds of civilians were displaced and several firefighters sustained minor injuries.
Here are some images from the Chicago Fire Department’s Still & Box on Monday afternoon (3/18). The fire was in a 3-story, 75 x 100, ordinary building at the corner of Lake and Lockwood. Companies went defensive about a half hour in and two additional truck companies were requested. The fire was struck out in just under 2 hours.
Took this in around 2230 Tuesday night at 2258 S. Blue Island Avenue in Chicago. It sounded promising. A metal clad warehouse butted up against another building. Interesting that the size-up was no exposure problem yet it seemed obvious that there was a high potential, in fact they reported some fire in the adjoining building on fireground. TL 5 with the new rig as well as 28 with a new pumper and I guess what must be a spare command van. More photos at Chicagoareafire.com
On 3/15/2019, Boston Fire Alarm struck a box for a reported fire on the roof of a large building at the northeast side of the city. Companies initially had fire in an HVAC-type unit but quickly discovered the fire had spread along the roof line and above the sprinkler system. A trench cut was attempted to stop the spread but was unsuccessful.
Due to the size of the building, which was home to the New England Casket Company, accessibility problems, and water supply issues, a second and third alarm were struck within 30 minutes. Companies fought defensively and on air due to the various solvents housed in the building.
As the fire progressed, BFD Commissioner Joe Finn assumed command and struck additional alarms and special calls, including the city’s second tower ladder to respond out of district. As conditions worsened and smoke spread throughout the area, the decision was made to shut down the MBTA Blue Line, which ran near the fire building, and utilize the reverse-911 system to evacuate the Orient Heights neighborhood.
Companies initiated foam operations and dealt with a significant ember problem; additional engine companies were assigned to the neighborhood to minimize exposure damage. In all, nine alarms were struck with multiple special calls. By 11pm some units were released, but the department remained on scene throughout the night chasing hot spots. The building was a total loss.
