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Box alarm in Cicero, 1-11-16
This just happened earlier today. I was driving by 1401 51st Court when I noticed a plume of smoke rising above the buildings. Curious, I stopped to take a closer look and realized there was a fire raging at one of the multi-unit apartments. Within minutes, Cicero's emergency response teams arrived on the scene. The smoke was already thick around the top levels of the three-story building.
The firefighters initially tried to go inside but had to retreat almost immediately due to the intensity of the flames. That’s when they decided to switch to a more defensive strategy. About half an hour later, they upgraded the situation to a full-blown Box Alarm. It was clear this wasn’t going to be an easy fight.
Cicero Engine Company quickly got several hand lines operational while Cicero Truck 1, Stickney Truck 1201, and Cicero Truck 2 brought out their master streams. They really poured everything they had into trying to contain the fire. At one point, the Forest Park tower ladder was called in to assist when Cicero Truck 1 had to be taken offline temporarily. It was quite the operation, with engines from Stickney and Lyons also joining in to help pump water.
I could see the dedication and hard work of the firefighters from the beginning. They worked tirelessly, hose in hand, battling the blaze. One particularly memorable moment was when a firefighter was seen pulling a hose through the intense heat and smoke. The entire scene was chaotic yet inspiring, with firefighters moving in and out of the building, ensuring everyone was safe.
There were photographers everywhere capturing every detail of the event. Among them was Larry Shapiro, who provided some incredible images showing the firefighters in action, including shots of them saving pets, working with hoses, and even moments of camaraderie during breaks. One photo that stood out showed a firefighter completely covered in ice, a testament to how hard they fought despite the conditions.
Another highlight was seeing Fire Chief Gordon J. Nord, Jr., overseeing the entire operation. His calm presence seemed to instill confidence among his team. There were also portraits of individual firefighters, highlighting their bravery and resilience in the face of danger. The support system was evident too, with a canteen and rehab unit set up to ensure the firefighters stayed hydrated and energized throughout the ordeal.
Even after the main firefighting efforts were underway, the cleanup and overhaul phase began. Firefighters meticulously ensured no embers were left smoldering, thoroughly checking every corner of the building. It was a massive operation that required everyone to work together seamlessly.
As the day wore on, the firefighters finally managed to bring the fire under control. It was a relief to see the worst of it contained, but the damage was significant. This incident once again underscores the importance of having trained professionals ready to respond to emergencies like these.
For those interested, there are plenty more photos available from the scene. It was an unforgettable day filled with courage, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to protecting the community.