On November 3rd, 2015, around 7:30 PM, the Main Fire Alarm Office (MFAO) dispatched the 18th Battalion to a still alarm at the intersection of Rice and Austin. Just about 30 seconds later, Oak Park Fire Department received a tone-out for what turned out to be a structure fire at the exact same spot. The caller reported seeing smoke and flames coming from the third floor of an apartment building.
When Battalion 18 arrived on the scene, they quickly confirmed that there was indeed a fire on the third floor of this three-story apartment building. It was located on the Oak Park side of the street. Engine 96 was one of the first units to arrive and took charge of operations. Truck 29 was also quick to respond and positioned themselves to raise the main ladder up to the roof. By the time I got there, the fire had already been brought under control, but it was still quite impressive to witness both Chicago Fire Department and Oak Park Fire Department firefighters working seamlessly together to handle the situation.
I managed to capture some photos during the incident. In one shot, you can clearly see Chicago FD Engine 96 in action. Another image shows the intense night-time fire scene with its dramatic lighting and smoke-filled air. There's also a picture featuring firefighters from Oak Park as they work diligently to extinguish the blaze. One particularly striking photo highlights a lone firefighter standing against the backdrop of the fiery chaos—a testament to their bravery and dedication.
Another image focuses on an Oak Park fire engine parked strategically near the burning building while another shot captures a Chicago firefighter readying himself for whatever challenges lay ahead. Lastly, there’s a wide-angle view showing both departments' tower ladders extending skyward towards the roof—an iconic sight that speaks volumes about teamwork and professionalism in emergency response situations.
These images not only document the event itself but also serve as reminders of how vital collaboration between different agencies can be when dealing with emergencies like these. It truly was fascinating to observe firsthand how everyone involved remained focused despite such high-pressure circumstances!
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