Chicago Still & Box Alarm 12-13-11

On December 13, 2011, the companies under the 14th Battalion were called to respond to a still alarm at 4018 W. Cermak Road. Engine 38 was the first on scene and found a fire raging inside a two-story brick apartment building that measured 25 by 60 feet. Truck 32, the second due unit, arrived and headed to the rear of the structure, where they discovered heavy fire involvement at the back. The captain immediately contacted the 14th Battalion and requested a Box alarm. Firefighters deployed three lines to bring the fire under control. According to reports, the building was unoccupied, and the cause of the fire was considered suspicious. The Office of Fire Investigations was also sent to the scene for further examination.

Firefighters pull a line off of Engine 109. Hank Sajovic photo

Truck 48 ladders the front of the building. Hank Sajovic photo

Heavy fire showing in the rear of the building. Hank Sajovic photo

Squad 2 was using this spare apparatus. Hank Sajovic photo

The photos show the intensity of the situation, with firefighters working hard to contain the flames. It's clear that the fire was not an accident, given the suspicious nature and the fact that the building was empty. These images offer a rare look into how quickly emergency crews can respond and how they handle such challenging situations. Hank’s photos are a valuable record of this event, capturing both the danger and the dedication of the firefighters involved.