Prospect Heights firefighters use hand lines to attack a house fire Tuesday afternoon on Schoenbeck Road. Larry Shapiro photo
The Prospect Heights Fire Department was called to a house fire on Schoenbeck Road around 2:30 PM today. Upon arrival, crews found heavy fire in the attached garage that had already spread to the two-story home. Since this part of the district lacks hydrants, the first responders included a 3,000-gallon tanker along with two engines, a battalion chief, and an ambulance. Additional units from nearby towns were also dispatched, including an engine from Wheeling, an ambulance from Mt. Prospect, and a second tanker from Long Grove.
As the bulk of fire in the garage has been knocked down, the fire takes control of the attic and a second floor bedroom. Larry Shapiro photo
The fire quickly escalated to a Code 4, prompting more resources to arrive, including an engine from Mt. Prospect, the tower ladder from Prospect Heights, a third tanker from Palatine Rural, an ambulance from Northbrook, a squad from Lincolnshire-Riverwoods, a tower ladder from Northbrook, and additional chief officers from Wheeling and Long Grove.
Fire burns through the roof as firefighters inside work to control the blaze. Tim Olk photo
Firefighters ventilate second floor windows as the fire burns freely through the roof. Larry Shapiro photo
As the fire spread further into the structure, a MABAS Box Alarm was issued, bringing in even more support. This included a tower ladder from Buffalo Grove, a squad from Deerfield, a truck from Northfield (replacing one from Niles that couldn’t respond), a RIT chief and engine from North Maine, and multiple engines from Palatine, Arlington Heights, and Des Plaines, along with an ambulance from Elk Grove Township and additional chief officers from Glenview and Northbrook, plus the MESS Canteen.
Prospect Heights Engine 9, the first arriving unit, used their 750-gallon tank and the 3,000 gallons from Tanker 9. Long Grove’s Tanker 55 also carried 3,000 gallons, which were all used before a secure water supply was established via 2,500 feet of 5-inch hose.
Prospect Heights Engine 9 used tank water before receiving 6,000 gallons from two tankers. After this water was exhausted, a secure water source was established from a hydrant over 2,500 feet away. Larry Shapiro photo
The homeowners managed to escape safely, but tragically, their family dog did not survive the fire. Tim Olk and Larry Shapiro were on scene and captured several images of the incident.
After the fire has been knocked down, firefighters perform overhaul to get at the remnants of fire inside the walls. Tim Olk photo
A firefighter works on the second floor checking for extension. Tim Olk photo
Larry has a large gallery of photos available HERE, and Tim also has a comprehensive collection that can be viewed HERE.