This morning, shortly after 8 AM, the Chicago Fire Department responded to reports of thick black smoke billowing from a four-story warehouse located at 1427 West 37th Street. Within minutes of the first units arriving, the situation escalated to a 2-11 alarm, and about half an hour later, it was upgraded further to a 3-11 alarm. The fire was finally brought under control around 9:30 AM.
The scene was bustling with activity as multiple units worked together to combat the blaze. Tower Ladder 37 was positioned at the intersection of 37th Street and the second side of the building, while Tower Ladder 39 operated from an adjacent lot on the eastern side of the structure. Tower Ladder 5 was stationed at the rear of the building, ensuring full coverage of the area. Engine 29 was actively supplying water to Squad 1, which was operating in the background. Meanwhile, Engine 29 itself was connected to a hydrant, with Squad 1A and Tower Ladder 37 actively working in Sector 1.
Inside the warehouse, firefighters discovered numerous stacks of 55-gallon drums, prompting the initial request for a Level I Haz Mat response. Fortunately, upon inspection, it was determined that the drums were empty, as the building's occupant, Higgins Brothers, Inc., specializes in manufacturing industrial drums and containers.
Despite the presence of the drums, the fire posed a significant challenge due to its intensity. Seven engines—namely Engines 19, 28, 29, 39, 49, 50, and 65—were deployed to assist in extinguishing the flames. A multi-versal line and hand lines were also utilized to ensure comprehensive firefighting efforts.
Photographers like Larry Shapiro and Tim Olk were on-site documenting the event. Shapiro captured several key moments, including images of Engine 29 connected to a hydrant, Squad 1A working alongside Tower Ladder 37, and the interior of the warehouse once the fire had been suppressed. Another notable image shows the empty 55-gallon drums that initially triggered the Haz Mat response.
The fire presented a complex scenario due to the building's layout and the materials involved, yet the firefighters managed to bring it under control efficiently. For those interested in more details or additional visuals, the Chicago Tribune has published an article, and a photo gallery compiled by various photographers is available online.
As the investigation continues, it's clear that the incident highlighted the dedication and coordination of the Chicago Fire Department, particularly in managing large-scale fires involving industrial facilities.
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