Still time was 1432 hrs followed by a still and box alarm at 1434 and a 2-11 at 1443.  Companies had fully-involved back porches of a 2.5-story frame that had communicated to exposures on both sides and the alley garage.  Exposures were a 2.5-story ordinary on side D and a 1.5-story ordinary on side B.  The side D exposure also had a frame back porch addition.

A mayday was called when a company became trapped by rapidly advancing fire conditions which elevated the alarm to a 3-11.  Eventually there would be a second mayday as well and two firefighters were transported from the scene in yellow condition.  Engine 28 was pumping in sector A, Engine 39 at the entrance to the alley on Loomis Street, Engine 29 at the corner of Lyman and Ma Benton Lane and Engine 8 on Bonfield Street.  Tower Ladder 5 was set up but I don’t believe it was ever used.  Squad 1A was brought into sector A and did go to work on the attic.

 Eric Haak

Eric Haak photo

Eric Haak photo

Eric Haak photo

Eric Haak photo

Eric Haak photo

Eric Haak photo

Eric Haak photo

Eric Haak photo

Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

More images are at http://312firephotos.smugmug.com/Chicago-Fire-Department-Fires/2014/311-mayday2-2989-S-Lyman-10122