House fire in Des Plaines, 1-26-18
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Des Plaines firefighters were dispatched to 539 Westmere Road shortly after noon on Friday, January 26, 2018, following reports of a fire in an attached garage. The initial emergency call was quickly followed by multiple 9-1-1 calls from concerned neighbors. Engine 63 was the first unit to arrive on the scene and immediately reported heavy flames erupting from the garage, which had already spread to the second floor of the split-level home. Strong gusts of wind carried thick clouds of smoke across the street, reducing visibility and complicating efforts to assess the situation.
Due to the intensity of the fire, firefighters couldn't safely enter the building. Instead, they initiated an exterior attack using foam from multiple lines while Tower Ladder 63 was positioned on the roof for ventilation purposes. In total, four separate lines were deployed, and within 20 minutes, the fire was brought under control. Throughout the operation, all three Des Plaines engines, two tower ladders, three ambulances, the battalion chief, and additional support vehicles like 6100 were present at the scene. Reinforcements also arrived from neighboring departments, including Mount Prospect's Engine 12, Tower 13, Battalion 3, as well as Elk Grove Township Ambulance 11.
Thanks to Nick Marcinkowski for providing these vivid images. These photographs capture the dramatic moments during the firefighting effort and highlight the collaborative response among various emergency units. Despite the challenging conditions, the coordinated actions of all involved parties ensured that the situation was managed efficiently, minimizing potential damage and risks. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of swift and effective teamwork in emergency situations.