Chicago 5-11 Alarm 9-30-12 (update 1)

June 29, 2025

Steve Redick shared a video capturing radio communications from the 5-11 alarm and Level I incident at 2620 W. Nelson on Sunday morning. He was present at the scene for five hours, documenting the unfolding events. A total of 19 engines were deployed at the fire, including units such as 106, 91, 76, 78, 112, 124, 43, 110, 56, 55, 57, 59, 14, 30, 22, 26, 44, 94, and 69. In addition to these, three tower ladders (10, 21, 23), two Snorkels (S2A, 6-1-1), and seven multi-versals were also on scene. Larry Shapiro captured several images during his eight-hour shift at the fire. His photos provide a powerful visual account of the intensity and scale of the operation.
Firefighters from Squad 2 cut into an overhead door for access to the exposure building. Larry Shapiro photo

Fire blows out of a window on the west side of the building as Tower Ladder 10 maneuvers into position to hit the flames. Larry Shapiro photo

After a vertical collapse of three floors, heavy fire silhouettes the remaining wall as master streams are directed at the flames from the alley and a neighboring building. Larry Shapiro photo

Thick smoke pushes out of the upper floors of the building on the south side as Tower Ladder 10 works itâ€™s way across the face. Larry Shapiro photo

Tower Ladder 23 and Squad 2A prepare to put elevated master streams into operation. Larry Shapiro photo

Squad 2A and Tower Ladder 23 work along the east side of the four-story building. Larry Shapiro photo
Several specialty units were called to the scene, including the 1982 85â€² reserve Snorkel (6-6-1), the turret wagon 6-7-6 from Engine 104, the MVU (9-2-4), hose wagon 6-1-2, 5-1-2 from Oâ€™Hare, 5-7-2 from Engine 68, and 2-7-2. While 9-1-3 was on scene, it wasnâ€™t used.
Reserve Snorkel 1 out of Engine 35â€™s house was brought to the scene. Larry Shapiro photo

A Level I haz mat was requested so that this soap-like solution bubbling out of the sewer could be analyzed. Larry Shapiro photo

5-1-2 responded in the spare haz mat unit as painted and lettered for the tv show being filmed in Chicago. Larry Shapiro photo

The large number of master streams being deployed required in-line pumping operations down Elston Avenue to the southeast, and another originating on Belmont and traveling down Rockwell to Engine 78. Larry Shapiro photo

Hose Wagon 6-1-2 came with Engine 26 who anchored an in-line operation with four other engines. Larry Shapiro photo

Two tower ladders and three multi-versals continued to work along Nelson after a large section of the wall collapsed. Larry Shapiro photo

Barry Avenue in the rear of the fire scene looked like a small lake as the water runoff overwhelmed the sewer system seven hours into the fire. Larry Shapiro photo

Eight hours into the operation, the fire burned through a section of the roof that was still intact after master streams were shut down to allow the fire to vent itself. Larry Shapiro photo
Four large-diameter lines fed Turret Wagon 6-7-6, allowing both guns to be deployed in an attempt to knock down some of the exterior walls for better access to the remaining fire.
Turret Wagon 6-7-6 came all the way from Engine 104â€™s quarters since 6-7-3 (the north side turret wagon) was out of service. Somewhat of a rare image here as the unit sees very little service. Larry Shapiro photo
A large gallery of images can be found HERE. Weâ€™re looking forward to seeing more photos from Tim Olk, who spent 12 hours at the scene, including the initial demolition by a wrecking crew.
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