Media coverage of the 5-11 alarm fire that broke out on January 22, 2013, at a warehouse on South Ashland Avenue in Bridgeport:
From the Chicago Tribune:
Firefighters remained at the scene of a smoldering warehouse in Bridgeport early Monday, continuing to douse hot spots after a massive 5-11 alarm fire swept through a five-story building. Nearly a third of the department’s on-duty personnel were involved in the response.
The fire was first spotted by a fire chief passing by the former Harris Marcus Group building at 3757 S. Ashland Ave. shortly after 9 p.m. As the flames spread rapidly, additional alarms were called, and the roof eventually collapsed. Over 200 firefighters battled the blaze under difficult conditions, including frozen hydrants and icy ladders. The fire was finally brought under control around 12:30 a.m.
Chicago Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago described the fire as the largest in the city in seven years. “This was an incredible fire with a huge fire load—lots of wood, old materials, varnish,†he said. “Once it caught, it really ran.â€
Santiago also noted the challenges posed by the extreme cold. “The ice on the building and ladders made things harder. We had to call the Water Department to steam off our equipment,†he added.
The incident required a 5-11 alarm with two special alarms, which brought in extra resources and specialized equipment. This level of response is rare, with only one other instance in 2006 when a similar alarm was issued for the Wirt Dexter Building fire in the South Loop.
Last year, another 5-11 alarm fire occurred in the Avondale neighborhood, but no special alarms were needed. Alarms typically escalate one at a time up to a fifth alarm, but in this case, the commander skipped the fourth alarm once the fire spread to adjacent buildings.
Press interview with Commissioner Santiago (note: an obnoxious commercial plays before the footage).
Radioman911.com radio traffic:
Warehouse Fire at 3757 S. Ashland Ave.
with extension to 3737 and 3711 S. Ashland Ave.
5-11 Order: Watch Here
Fireground Radio: Watch Here
Photos/Video: View Here
Real Time Recording:
Part 1: Listen Here
Part 2: Listen Here
Part 3: Listen Here
Part 4: Listen Here
Part 5: Listen Here
Part 6: Listen Here
Part 7: Listen Here
Part 8: Listen Here
Tower 5’s Basket Frozen In Place:
Part 9: Watch Here
5-11 + 2 Specials Struck Out By Orders of 2-1-4:
Part 10: Watch Here
Thanks to Chris and Dave for their help.
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