A Little After 6:00 pm and The Fire is Already Being Brought Under Control at 309 Wisconsin Avenue in Oak Park.
© Oak Park Journal photo
A Fire at 309 Wisconsin Sends Flames High Into the Sky, Visible from Blocks Away.
report by Ed Vincent
The fire started about 5:30 pm in the building at 309 Wisconsin
Avenue, just south of the YMCA. Residents and neighbors said
they could see the flames from blocks away, at ground level. The
sky was lit with flames and crowds came from blocks away to
watch the firefighters battle the fire. Oak Park, Forest Park, and
River Forest had personnel working to fight the flames. Oak Park
and Forest Park each had their Fire Chiefs on the scene. Oak
Park's Chief Bell left while out at dinner (off work with his family), and had only had a taste of his appetizer before he left for the fire. The fire fight was being managed by Oak Park Battalion Chief Neris.
People had fled the building on fire, with their families and pets and
some were in the alley behind the fire, while others were in front
watching the fight near the street. No one was hurt and the ambulances were only on alert for this event. The building to the
south of the fire had a new roof put on it recently and the three flat
is being renovated for sale as condos. There was damage to many
of the units in the area, both smoke, fire, and water.
Residents were at least happy that no one was injured and that
it was not 20 below zero outside. This was a good night for all
the departments and thanks goes out to all the brave men and
women who protect all our lives every day. I hope the Chief gets
to finish his dinner and everyone else has a good night sleep on
a job well done.
Fire Fighters from Oak Park, Forest Park, and River Forest work together
to Save Lives and Property.
© Oak Park Journal photo
After the Fire seemed to be out, a re-ignition takes place and is over powered by the large ladder truck and its water delivery system.
© Oak Park Journal photo
Fire Fighters enter the burned out residence and check for
remnants of fire or heat and double check everything to be
sure. One of the workers on the inside is the Chief of Forest
Park Steve Glinke, getting dirty with the best of them.
© Oak Park Journal photo
© Oak Park Journal photo
The woman on the curb and her son lived in the apartment
next to the one that was ablaze. She and her son had to leave
their cat in the apartment when they were evacuated. They
were concerned for the cat, but their exit was only as a precaution.
If the cat had been in danger a fire fighter would have rescued
it allowing for safety of the crew.
© Oak Park Journal photo
Forest Park Fire Lieutenant Mario Tricoci and Oak Park Fire Chief Bell have a moment of rest after the fire is extinguished.
© Oak Park Journal photo
Chief of Forest Park Steve Glinke checks on his men and
gets some fresh air after lots of time in the smoke and heat.
© Oak Park Journal photo
Things are slowing down and in a short time some folks will be allowed back in their homes, others will have to seek shelter for the night.
© Oak Park Journal photo
Battalion Chief Neris see to it that all is wrapped up before
he calls the scene closed, its been a long event.
© Oak Park Journal photo
© Oak Park Journal
published by Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.
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