Chicago 5-11 Alarm + 2 specials 1-22-13 (pt 4)

From the Chicago Tribune:

Firefighters remained at the scene of a smoldering warehouse in Bridgeport early Wednesday morning, continuing to douse hot spots after a massive 5-11 alarm fire swept through the five-story building. A third of the department’s on-duty personnel were involved in the firefighting effort.

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, extra alarms were called, and the fire quickly engulfed the entire warehouse. The roof collapsed, and over 200 firefighters struggled with frozen hydrants and icy ladders before finally bringing the blaze under control around 12:30 a.m.

Chicago Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago described the incident as the largest fire in the city in seven years. “This was an incredible fire,” he said. “There was a huge fire load—wood, timber, old materials, varnish. Once it caught, it ran fast.”

Santiago also noted the challenges posed by the extreme cold. “The ice weight on the buildings and ladders made things really tough. We had to get the Water Department to steam off our ladders,” he explained.

The incident required a 5-11 alarm along with two special alarms to bring in additional resources and equipment. This type of response is rare, with only one other instance occurring in 2006 when the historic Wirt Dexter Building in the South Loop was destroyed by fire. That blaze also led to major traffic disruptions and CTA service interruptions.

A similar 5-11 alarm occurred last year in the Avondale neighborhood, but no special alarms were needed. Alarms typically escalate one at a time, but in this case, the commander skipped the fourth alarm after the fire spread to adjacent buildings.

Press interview with Commissioner Santiago (note: an obnoxious commercial precedes the footage)

Radioman911.com radio traffic:

Real Time Recording:
Part 1: http://www.justin.tv/radioman911/b/359874615
Part 2: http://www.justin.tv/radioman911/b/359872478
Part 3: http://www.justin.tv/radioman911/b/359871889
Part 4: http://www.justin.tv/radioman911/b/359870848
Part 5: http://www.justin.tv/radioman911/b/359870273
Part 6: http://www.justin.tv/radioman911/b/359869430
Part 7: http://www.justin.tv/radioman911/b/359868058
Part 8: http://www.justin.tv/radioman911/b/359867255

Tower 5’s Basket Frozen In Place:
Part 9: http://www.justin.tv/radioman911/b/359865499

5-11 + 2 Specials Struck Out By Orders of 2-1-4:
Part 10: http://www.justin.tv/radioman911/b/359864414

Thanks to Chris and Dave for their help

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