VIDEO: Extra Alarm fire on North Milwaukee Avenue between Belmont and Diversey in Chicago visible from an Arlington Heights high-rise building.
Chicago police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 7:32 a.m. Thursday to a report of a fire in FAMSA furniture/appliance store at 2945 North Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago. Many commuters could see the large smoke header from the fire on their way to work in Chicago. Smoke appeared to overshadow the entire city at one point during the fire.
Chicago police arrived first to the call for help, and reported a confirmed fire.
A firefighting crew on arrival reported a 3-story truss construction with smoke coming from the roof.
Battalion Chief 7 reported a fire in a 3-story bow string truss ordinary furniture store, 50×125.
Two lines were immediately on the fire with an aerial going to the roof.
Firefighters were going defensive early with thick black smoke pushing out of the building … a Tower Ladder was assigned to the front of the building.
Battalion Chief 7 advised a bow string truss and warned all firefighters to stay away from front of the building and the rear of the building.
An engine company crew was assigned to feed SQD2’s snorkel.
Four master streams were putting water on the fire, and collapse zones were established.
The fire was eventually through the roof of the building with collapse zones established and maintained while five master streams put water on the fire, and two elevated master streams put water on the fire from above.
Fire command requested ComEd to the scene for heavy power lines at the rear of the building that were hampering firefighting operations.
Command reported imminent collapse on the front and left side zones of the building, and a 3-11 Alarm was activated shortly after the collapse alert.
The fire alarm was struck out at about 10:40 a.m.
No injuries were reported. The store was locked and secured with no employees inside when firefighters arrived.
FIRE/MEDIC UNITS ASSIGNED …
ENGINE(S): E91 E106
TRUCK(S): T13 T58
SQD2 CV272
RIT: BC10 T35
CHIEF(S): BC7
EMS: A3 FC452 STANDBY A7
STILL AND BOX
ENGINE(S): E124
TRUCK(S):
SQUAD(S):
EMS:
CHIEF(S): 2-7-10
SPECIAL:
STAGING: Milwaukee and Kimball
CHANGE OF QUARTERS: ??
2ND ALARM
ENGINE(S):
TRUCK(S):
SQUAD(S):
EMS:
CHIEF(S): 2-7-10
BC8 Safety
SPECIAL:
CHANGE OF QUARTERS: ??
3-11
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