ICE CASTLE in Chicago!

Crazy "ICE CASTLE" from a big warehouse fire last night! You've seen burnt-out buildings before, but have you seen what "laying water" does to a building the next day in below freezing temperatures?

1/22/13 firefighters in Chicago responded to a factory fire on 37th/Ashland. It became a 5-11. Since it was 1 degree that night, this is what resulted the next day.. they were still putting water on it when we got there the next day. Later on that night, it rolled again.. Enjoy!

 

More photos can be viewed in my public album on facebook here: "Ice Castle" by Kara Leigh Photography

 

 

 

 

Fallen Chicago Firefighter will be missed!

This would be any firefighter's family's greatest fears. You just do not want to get that call. I am very thankful that my husband was attending our son's football banquet with us, and not out on this call. Praying for his family.. and his extended firefighting family. My husband knew him, Capt. Herbert Johnson, he was one of his instructors. "Great guy.." was his first response when he heard who he was. Followed by how sad it is, and what a great instructor he was when he taught as well.

Here is a link to the article. 

'Loved by everybody,' firefighter dies after South Side blaze

CFD Commissioner Speaks Out Against Fewer Firefighers Per Truck

There are some things you don't skimp on. It's not worth buying the cheap dish washing detergent, cheap toilet paper, and.. oh yeah, SAFETY!

Commissioner rips idea of fewer firefighters per truck

By Hal Dardick Clout Street 

2:06 p.m. CDT, October 25, 2011

Chicago Fire Commissioner Robert Hoff today said fire deaths would increase if the city lowers the number of firefighters on a truck to save money, an idea mentioned as one potential cost-saving option in a recent report by the city’s inspector general.
Hoff said he is “adamant” in his opposition to the idea of lowering the minimum staffing on all trucks to four, instead of the five-person minimum now in place on most trucks and engines.
“Number one, it affects our performance,” Hoff said, explaining his opposition to the change. “And number two, it (affects) the lives of firefighters and paramedics and the people that we serve. Our fire deaths will go up.”
Inspector General Joseph Ferguson said lowering the standard would save about $57 million a year — while also noting such a reduction could pose a safety hazard in an urban area like Chicago.
Nevertheless, the idea has been thrown around with about eight months left on the contract for rank-and-file city firefighters. The current contract spells out the current staffing levels.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel kept Hoff on as fire commissioner. Former Mayor Richard Daley appointed Hoff, a decorated Fire Department veteran, in June 2010.

(original story) 

* *Mayor Emanuel's Reaction Here* *