Chicago Engine 99 was called to what was initially believed to be a trash fire in the rear of 3401 S. Lawndale Avenue, a location known for having guard dogs. Upon arrival, firefighters quickly realized the situation was more serious than expected. The fire was inside the building, prompting Engine 99 to request a full working fire response. Shortly after, the alarm was upgraded to a Box Alarm, signaling a more severe incident.
Thick black smoke poured from the industrial brick structure, visible from several blocks away. Deputy District 4 (2-2-4) reported flames coming through the roof upon his arrival and escalated the alarm to a 2-11. The building featured a steel deck roof, making the fire particularly challenging to control. Firefighters deployed multiple 2½-inch hand lines, along with elevated master streams from Snorkel 1, Tower 5, and Tower 54 to tackle the blaze from above.
Gordon J. Nord, Jr., who was nearby, spotted the smoke early and arrived as crews were cutting open the overhead doors to gain access. He captured a series of photos showing the progression of the fire and the efforts of the responding units. His images provide a vivid look at the intensity of the situation and the coordinated response by the fire department.
![Chicago 2-11 alarm fire 3401 S Lawndale 5-2-11]( "Fire 01-GJN")
Fire from the roof and thick black smoke from inside the building are visible as firefighters cut into a steel overhead door to gain access. Gordon J. Nord, Jr. photo
![Chicago 2-11 alarm fire 3401 S Lawndale 5-2-11]( "Fire 02-GJN")
Firefighters direct a hand line into the building upon getting access to the fire. Gordon J. Nord, Jr. photo
![Chicago 2-11 alarm fire 3401 S Lawndale 5-2-11]( "Fire 03-GJN")
Engine 99 puts their deck gun into operation as fire burns through the roof. Gordon J. Nord, Jr. photo
![Chicago 2-11 alarm fire 3401 S Lawndale 5-2-11]( "Fire 05-GJN")
The deck gun from Engine 99 puts water on the roof as master streams from Squad 1, Tower Ladder 5 and Tower Ladder 54 prepare to go to work as well. Gordon J. Nord, Jr.
![Chicago 2-11 alarm fire 3401 S Lawndale 5-2-11]( "Fire 06-GJN")
A heavy volume of fire burns inside the building and through the roof. Gordon J. Nord, Jr. photo
![Chicago 2-11 alarm fire 3401 S Lawndale 5-2-11]( "Fire 07-GJN")
Two tower ladders and Squad 1's Snorkel were working in addition to the deck gun from Engine 99 and several hand lines. Gordon J. Nord, Jr. photo
Gordon has a complete gallery which can be viewed HERE. His photos offer a rare and detailed perspective on the scene, capturing the urgency and scale of the fire response. This incident highlights the importance of quick action and coordination among emergency services, especially in complex or hazardous environments.
Manual Truck
A pallet truck is a light and small handling equipment with two cargo-like legs. Can be inserted into the free fork hole of the pallet. Widely used in loading, unloading or handling operations.
Semi-electric lifting truck, manual truck, fully automatic lifting truck
Taixing Jinlong Rubber Rollers Co., Ltd. , https://www.jinlongroller.com