Story/Photos By Joe Kaminskas

On a cold January 1st, the East Joliet Fire Protection District responded to a structure fire in the 400 block of Pontiac street in the Ridgewood neighborhood.

Automatic aid responded from neighboring Lockport, Rockdale, Manhattan & Homer Twp Fire Departments.

Companies had heavy fire showing from the rear of a 1.5 story, 20 x 30 single family dwelling upon arrival.

Chief Robert Scholtes asked WESCOM dispatch(MABAS Division 15) for a box alarm #500-37 for more help to extinguish this fire.

Elwood, Troy, Frankfort, Wilmington & Minooka responded to the scene on the box.

Channahon & Plainfield fire departments changed quarters to East Joliet station # 3.

Crews used 3 lines & a tanker shuttle(approximately 6000 gallons of water) to bring this fire under control.