Chicago, Dec. 3
A tower ladder, a Snorkel and numerous other streams were successful in keeping the fire at a three-story mansion (built in 1892) to the building of origin. The structure caught fire at around 11:30 a.m. and tore through the roof of the granite home. The fire was held to a still and box assignment of four engines, two aerials, one squad, a tower ladder, four chiefs and several support units. Construction had been going on prior to the fire, but an arson investigation was opened, which led to the determination that the blaze was purposely set.
Photo by Gordon Nord
Buffalo, NY, Dec. 12
Buffalo firefighters were dispatched to smoke in the area about 3:30 a.m. in the Humboldt Park neighborhood and found three structures burning. Strong winds were fueling the fire, which eventually spread to seven structures, including three carriage houses, three homes and a large garage, plus several outbuildings. Ten handlines were used to bring the fire under control. Two firefighters were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Photo by Donald Cialone Jr.
Seattle, Nov. 28
Multiple calls to 9-1-1 reported heavy smoke coming from a vacant commercial building. As firefighters approached the scene, they reported flames showing through the roof of the approximately 300 x 100-foot building. Incident command upgraded the response to a two-alarm fire, for which 11 engines, 5 ladder trucks and additional support units were dispatched. Crews opened up boarded windows and doors to gain access to the fire, but the heavy smoke, high heat and collapsing roof led to a defensive strategy. More than 80 firefighters operated on scene.
Photo by John Odegard
Minneapolis, Dec. 7
Chief 5 arrived and reported heavy smoke pushing from a single-story residence. C5 took command and had Engine 15 lay its tank to the C side, where fire was showing. Ladder 7 assisted E15. E15 reported that it knocked down the C-side fire and moved its line to the A side. Chief 4 and crews reported that the structure was loaded with heavy content and that they had fire from floor to ceiling. Command changed the attack to defensive. L7’s ladder pipe, a BlitzFire and several handlines were used.
Photo by Paul Barrett
