Yesterday morning, Chicago Heights responded to a fire at a vacant two-story building located on the 200 block of US Route 30. Upon arrival, firefighters found a 35x40-foot structure fully engulfed in heavy smoke. Investigators believe the fire may have been deliberately set, as it quickly spread through the building, which housed apartments above an empty storefront.
The fire department received the call around 11 AM, and multiple neighboring departments were called in for assistance. Among them were units from Matteson, Park Forest, South Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Steger, Crete, and Homewood. Together, they managed to bring the blaze under control after several hours of intense firefighting efforts.
One of the most striking moments during the incident involved elevated master streams deployed by both Matteson’s aerial ladder and Chicago Heights’ tower ladder. These powerful water streams were crucial in reaching the upper levels of the burning building. Firefighters also worked tirelessly to contain flames that were escaping from both floors at the rear of the structure. In one image, you can see a Chicago Heights firefighter skillfully maneuvering a master stream from the bucket of their tower ladder.
Another critical aspect of the operation was the deployment of hand lines through the front door, where thick smoke was billowing out. Despite the challenging conditions, crews managed to gain access and start tackling the fire from within. Photos captured by Tim Olk show firefighters working diligently to ventilate the windows on the ‘B’ side of the building, a necessary step to improve visibility and air quality inside.
Throughout the response, Chicago Heights Engine 673—a state-of-the-art HME/Smeal 100-foot tower ladder—played a vital role in the ‘A’ sector, positioned directly in front of the building. This equipment allowed firefighters to reach unprecedented heights and apply water more effectively than ever before.
As the day wore on, it became clear just how dangerous the situation had been. The intense heat and smoke made the job incredibly difficult, but thanks to the coordinated efforts of all involved departments, no injuries were reported among personnel. A brief article covering the event can be found on CBS Chicago’s website here.
For those interested in seeing more visuals from the scene, Tim Olk has put together a comprehensive gallery available here. His photographs provide an intimate look into the challenges faced by first responders that day, capturing everything from the raw power of the fire to the focused determination of the men and women who fought it.
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