In the early hours of Monday morning (April 4, 2016), Chicago firefighters responded to a report of a fire at a laundromat located at 5130 W. Fullerton Avenue just after 2 a.m. Upon arrival, they encountered significant flames engulfing a single-story commercial building measuring 60×100 feet, featuring a bow-string truss roof. Fortunately, there were no immediate structures or buildings nearby that could be affected by the blaze, as both sides of the property were surrounded by parking lots.
The initial firefighting efforts involved venting the roof to release smoke and heat. Firefighters then adopted a defensive strategy, positioning Tower Ladder 14 to the west and Squad 2A to the east. Due to the intensity of the fire, a special request was made for an additional tower ladder, leading to Tower Ladder 23 being set up at the front of the building. For nearly two hours, multiple elevated master streams from two multi-versals and three tower ladders poured water onto the structure, attempting to douse the flames.
The fire quickly spread, with intense flames bursting out of the front of the building and damaging a car parked along the curb. Emergency services contacted the utility company to shut off the gas supply as a gas-fed fire raged near the entrance, posing additional risks.
I was on the scene alongside Steve Redick, who captured some footage on his cellphone. He mentioned that more detailed clips would follow. Meanwhile, Larry Shapiro provided some incredible photos and even a video montage that offers a closer look at the firefighting operation.
One of the photos shows Chicago FD Engine 91 standing tall against the backdrop of the inferno, while another captures several fire trucks lined up at the scene, showcasing the coordinated effort of the firefighters. There’s also a striking image of Chicago FD Engine 7, its red paint illuminated under the night sky. Larry’s photos highlight the impressive Tower Ladder 14, an E-ONE Cyclone II tower ladder HP100, which played a crucial role in managing the situation. Another photo features Chicago FD Truck 58, adding to the visual narrative of the response.
An image of firefighters operating a multi-versal in the dark speaks volumes about their dedication and hard work. Another memorable shot captures an American flag proudly displayed on an E-ONE fire truck, symbolizing resilience and patriotism during this challenging incident. Larry’s collection also includes images of Squad 2A’s snorkel and the aftermath of the fire, providing a comprehensive view of the event.
For those interested in more visuals, Larry Shapiro’s photography website, shapirophotography.net, has an extensive gallery of these unforgettable moments.
This experience was a stark reminder of the bravery and professionalism exhibited by our firefighters, who tirelessly work around the clock to protect our communities.
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