Aluminium Coils,Aluminium Alloy Coil Shandong Rizhaoxin Metal Products Co., Ltd. , https://www.cysteelcoil.com
Still Alarm 236 S. Cicero, 9-7-14
The following is a firsthand account from Steve Redick, who recently joined a fire response effort. While there wasn’t much visible damage from a fire standpoint, he did notice a few intriguing aspects. The structure itself was in deplorable condition—parts of the roof had collapsed prior to the incident, making access extremely challenging. Surprisingly, despite its poor state, it hadn’t been flagged as a high-priority “red x†building. I managed to capture some footage and photos of firefighters using a Chicago stripping ladder as a battering ram to break through the plywood window coverings. It’s quite an unusual tool, rarely used for climbing but often employed for pulling up roofing materials during ventilation tasks. Class A foam was also utilized during this operation. Interestingly, the squad had a spare snorkel, and I managed to snap some good shots of the rigs.
Here’s what Steve had to say about the experience:
"Took on this job just a few days ago. Not much to report in terms of fire damage, but there were a couple of interesting observations. The building was in terrible shape—sections of the roof had collapsed before the fire even occurred, and getting inside was incredibly difficult. Oddly enough, it wasn’t classified as a 'red x' building. I was able to get some video and photos of firefighters using a Chicago stripping ladder as a battering ram to remove the plywood coverings over the windows. It's a fantastic tool that’s pretty unique to Chicago—it’s not typically used for climbing but more so for tearing off roofing materials during ventilation procedures. Class A foam was also applied during this alarm, and the squad brought along a spare snorkel. Some decent shots of the equipment were possible."
Attached are several images showcasing different moments from the scene, including firefighters utilizing the stripping ladder, aerial ladder trucks, and fire engines. There’s also a short video clip capturing the action in motion.
For those interested in seeing the stripping ladder in action, here’s a quick video clip showing the ladder being used dynamically.
[Video: Stripping Ladder in Use]
This experience highlights the versatility of firefighting tools and the challenges faced when operating in compromised structures. It’s always fascinating to witness how firefighters adapt their techniques to overcome obstacles during emergencies.