Several photographers contributed photos from the scene of a commercial fire in Evanston, IL that destroyed a restaurant and adjacent stores during the early morning hours of December 29, 2013. Upon arrival of the first Evanston units, the alarm was upgraded to a Box Alarm and then to a 2nd Alarm.
Two tractor-drawn aerials and one tower ladder operated elevated master streams in addition to several multi-versals. There was a major structural collapse of one side of the corner building during the defensive attack. One firefighter suffered from an ankle injury during the incident.
(from Steve Redick) Took in this job in the wee hours of Sunday morning. The fire was in the downtown area at Davis and Oak. I arrived just as they were getting water to the Skokie tower ladder. The fire involved two restaurants and a nail salon and threatened some additional similar occupancies. This fire was very noteworthy because it is the only time I can recall two tillered trucks operating at a single fire. Around here tillers are a very rare beast. There was a catastrophic collapse, most likely due to the failure of the truss roof structure, but it was well anticipated and all members were well clear.
Steve
More photos can be found at chicagoareafire.com