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Prospect Heights Box Alarm 5-24-11
This past Tuesday afternoon, I witnessed quite the spectacle unfold in the quiet neighborhood of Prospect Heights. Around 2:30 PM, emergency calls started flooding in about a fire breaking out in an attached garage located at 410 N. Schoenbeck Road. By the time the first responders arrived, the situation had escalated dramatically—there was already heavy fire consuming the garage, and it had quickly spread to the two-story house nearby.
What made this situation particularly challenging was that this area lacks fire hydrants. As a result, the Prospect Heights Fire Department deployed their 3,000-gallon tanker alongside two engines, a battalion chief, and an ambulance. Additional support came swiftly from neighboring towns like Wheeling, who sent an engine, and Mt. Prospect, which dispatched an ambulance. Long Grove even contributed another tanker to assist in managing the growing inferno.
As the firefighting efforts continued, the intensity of the flames became evident. Photos taken by Larry Shapiro show how the fire managed to penetrate beyond the garage, taking hold of the attic and a second-floor bedroom. Despite these challenges, firefighters worked tirelessly to bring the blaze under control. An upgrade to a Code 4 response brought reinforcements from various departments including an engine from Mt. Prospect, a tower ladder from Prospect Heights, and additional tankers and ambulances from surrounding areas.
The fire's progression necessitated an even higher level of coordination, leading to a MABAS Box Alarm being called in. This brought in resources from Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Northfield, and other locations, significantly bolstering the firefighting capabilities on-site. The challenge of maintaining a steady water supply was immense, requiring over 2,500 feet of 5-inch hose to establish a reliable connection to a hydrant.
Engine 9 from Prospect Heights, the first on the scene, utilized its onboard water supply, which included 750 gallons, before depleting the 3,000 gallons carried by Tanker 9. Long Grove’s Tanker 55 also emptied its 3,000 gallons during the initial phase of the operation. Once a secure water source was established, the firefighters could continue their efforts more effectively.
Unfortunately, while the family managed to evacuate safely, their beloved dog did not survive. It’s heartbreaking to think about such losses amidst the chaos of a fire. Photographs taken by Tim Olk and Larry Shapiro capture the intense moments of the firefighters battling the blaze, including images of them ventilating second-floor windows and working diligently to control the fire spreading through the roof.
As the fire began to diminish, the focus shifted to overhaul operations where firefighters meticulously searched through the remains to ensure no hidden embers remained. These photos vividly depict the dedication and professionalism of the firefighters involved.
Larry Shapiro has compiled an extensive gallery of images documenting this incident, which you can view [here]. Additionally, Tim Olk’s collection of photographs provides another perspective, accessible [here].
Reflecting on the day, it’s clear how crucial teamwork and resourcefulness are in situations like these. The collaborative effort from multiple departments highlights the importance of preparedness and communication within emergency services. While the outcome was tragic for the family involved, the swift action and coordination of the firefighters undoubtedly prevented further damage and potential loss of life.