(Photo by Chief Gordon J. Nord Jr.)

On Sept. 5, at approximately 0931 HRS, the Cicero (Ill.) Fire Department and the Chicago Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire located at 3417 S. Cicero Ave., located on the border of the two municipalities. The one-story structure, which was approximately 200 feet by 100 feet, housed a truck repair service center and garage.

Upon arrival, both departments found a well-involved structure and requested a box alarm assignment from their respective departments. Firefighters were hampered by water problems, and engine companies had to perform an inline operation to attain an adequate water supply.

Both departments positioned apparatus in a safe manner and set up a collapse zone early into the incident, thus preventing possible harm to personnel and apparatus. At the height of the blaze, two ladder pipes, one tower ladder and numerous handlines fought to contain the fire to the building of origin. (The photograph shows Cicero Firefighter Michael Slabanak coming down the aerial ladder after making an adjustment to the ladder pipe.)

The building sustained major structural damage and collapsed during the course of the fire. Companies remained on the scene for several hours, hitting hot spots and wetting down the ruins.