Prospect Heights firefighters use hand lines to attack a house fire on Schoenbeck Road Tuesday afternoon. Larry Shapiro photo
At approximately 2:30 PM, the Prospect Heights Fire Department received a call about a fire in an attached garage on N. Schoenbeck Road. Upon arrival, the first units found heavy flames spreading from the garage into the two-story home. Since this area lacks hydrants, the initial response included a 3,000-gallon tanker, two engines, a battalion chief, and an ambulance. Additional help came from Wheeling, Mt. Prospect, and Long Grove.
As the garage fire was under control, flames moved into the attic and a second-floor bedroom. Larry Shapiro photo
The incident was quickly escalated to a Code 4, bringing in more resources, including a tower ladder from Prospect Heights, a third tanker from Palatine Rural, and additional ambulances and squads from surrounding areas. The fire had spread rapidly, forcing crews to work hard to contain it.
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 into the structure, the alarm was upgraded to a MABAS Box Alarm, bringing in even more support, including a tower ladder from Buffalo Grove, a squad from Deerfield, and multiple engines from nearby towns. Water supply became a major challenge, with over 2,500 feet of 5-inch hose used to connect to a distant hydrant.
Prospect Heights Engine 9 initially relied on its 750-gallon tank and the 3,000 gallons from Tanker 9. Long Grove’s Tanker 55 also contributed 3,000 gallons before a secure water source was established. The operation required significant coordination and resource management.
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
Fortunately, all occupants escaped safely, though the family dog did not survive. Tim Olk and Larry Shapiro were on scene and captured several key moments 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 images available HERE, and Tim also has a comprehensive collection that can be viewed HERE.