Photo Story: Bad Hydrants Hamper Chicago Crews

A 2-11 (second alarm) was needed to contain a fire that destroyed two vacant dwellings in Chicago on May 24.

A still alarm was dispatched to West Marquette and Union Avenue at 7:13 a.m. for a dwelling fire. The alarm consisted of Engines 54, 47, Trucks 20, 30, Squad 5, Battalions 18 and Command Van 274.

Engine 54 found a fully involved 2 1/2-story dwelling that was spreading to an adjacent exposure and asked for a box alarm, bringing Engines 116, 84, Tower Ladder 37, Battalions 19, 17, Deputy Chief 225 and EMS 455.

Crews set up for a defensive attack, including the use Squad 5's Snorkel, plus efforts to protect a nearby building.

Units encountered two bad fire hydrants and Battalion 18 requested a second alarm.  It was called at 7:21 bringing Engines 50, 101, 122, 73, Trucks 18, 41, Battalions 20, 21, 4 and Tower Ladder 34.