Shortly after 7 a.m. on the morning of Sunday, January 23, 2005, Brooklyn, Illinois firefighters were dispatched to a building fire at 5th and Madison Streets.
Brooklyn is a small town with a population of 676 known mostly for its clubs. It is adjacent to East St.Louis.
Upon arrival firefighters found smoke showing from a 1-story building that housed 'Da Black Bull' nightclub.
Mutual aid was requested from several other St.Clair County fire departments.
At the time of the blaze the temperature was 18 degrees and the wind chill was 10. The closest fire hydrant that firefighters attempted to connect to was frozen.
As conditions continued to deteriorated firefighters were ordered to evacuate the building. Adjoining the nightclub was the 'Chang Hing Inn' which was a landmark in the community for 60 years. Heavy black smoke could soon be seen coming from the Chang Hing Inn.
Three ladder pipes, two deck guns, and several hand lines were used.
The fire eventually went through the roof and destroyed both buildings.
Firefighters from Fairmont City, State Park, Church Road, Hollywood Heights, French Village, and Madison Fire Departments were called in to help battle the blaze.
The Red Cross canteen was on the scene as well as a warming bus from Madison County Transit.
No one was inside either building at the time the fire erupted. The Illinois State Fire Marshal's office is investigating the cause of the fire.
