 Car 3 reported a column of smoke from 3rd and Court streets almost 10 blocks away. Engine 1 arrived moments later and reported a 3 story multiple dwelling with fire showing 2nd and 3rd floors.
At 0342 this morning, box 45 was dispatched for a reported working fire at No 10th and Elm Streets. Engine 1, 13, 9, 3 safety, Snorkel 1, Tower 1, Rescue 1, Medic 603 and Cars 3 and 6 responded. Car 3 reported a heavy column of smoke while en route. Engine 1 and 13 arrived and confirmed a working fire. Fire was showing on the Elm Street side of a large multi-unit structure at 301 No 10th Street. Car 3 reported the building vacant and units going into service with master streams and then ordered a 2nd alarm. Companies on the 2nd alarm were Engine 11, 5 and Ladder 1. Car 1 and Car 22 also responded on the 2nd.
Fire was blowing out of numerous windows on the 2nd and 3rd floors at the side of the building. In the front, firefighters extended a two and a half inch supply line up to the 2nd floor to supply a monitor which was left to cover the fire extending forward. Snorkel 1 was used to attack the fire on the 3rd floor from the front of the dwelling. .
The fire burned aggressively until firefighters finally began to get an upper hand. Most exposed fire on the side of the building was blackened down and a decision was made to attempt to extinguish fire on the 3rd floor that was inaccessible by the master streams. A crew entered the building from the front and extended a handline up to the 3rd floor.
Shortly before 0600 the fire was placed under control with extensive overhaul. Several apparatus were wrapped up and most returned to service within three hours of the first alarm. Firefighters continued to pour water into the building to extinguish numerous hot spots.
Car 23 had responded during the height of the fire and began gathering information from neighbors. An investigation into the cause began soon after the flames were extinguished. Fire burned the 2nd and 3rd floors extensively and caused part of the roof to collapse. Water completely flooded the basement. Despite the damage, a city building inspector that had responded deemed the structure not in immediate danger of collapse. The investigation into the cause is continuing.
Thanks to Tony Miccicke for sharing the photos with us.
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