Box Alarm in Wilmette, 2-17-15

This is the first in a series of updates on the fire that occurred at the Woman’s Club of Wilmette, located at 930 Greenleaf Avenue. The incident took place around 10:00 AM on February 17, 2015, after an automatic fire alarm was triggered. Wilmette Fire Department units responded quickly and arrived on scene to find smoke visible through the roof, prompting the alarm to be upgraded to a Code 4 — indicating a working fire.

When the firefighters arrived, all occupants had already evacuated the building. A small team made an initial interior attack but was forced to withdraw due to the rapidly spreading flames. As a result, the alarm was escalated to a Box Alarm, bringing in additional resources from surrounding departments.

Several aerial ladder trucks were deployed, including Wilmette Tower 26, Northbrook Tower 12, Evanston Truck 23, and Morton Grove Quint 4. Engine companies involved included Wilmette Engine 27 and Winnetka Engine 28. Additional units on the scene came from Lincolnwood, Glenview, Northfield, Des Plaines, and Skokie. There were also trucks, a Skokie squad, both Wilmette ambulances, the Mess Canteen, MABAS Division 3 Comm 3, and several chief officers present.

Here are some striking photos taken by Larry Shapiro, who was on-site along with Tim Olk and Jeff Rudolph. These images capture the intensity of the fire and the heroic efforts of the responding crews.

E-ONE tower ladder as big flames burning through the roof

Larry Shapiro photo

E-ONE tower ladder as big flames burning through the roof

Larry Shapiro photo

big flames burning through the roof

Larry Shapiro photo

big flames burning through the roof

Larry Shapiro photo

big flames burning through the roof

Larry Shapiro photo

E-ONE tower ladder as big flames burning through the roof

Larry Shapiro photo

E-ONE tower ladder as big flames burning through the roof

Larry Shapiro photo

Smeal quint as big flames burning through the roof

Larry Shapiro photo

Pierce aerial ladder truck as big flames burning through the roof

Larry Shapiro photo

firemen coated with ice at fire scene

Larry Shapiro photo

big flames burning through the roof

Larry Shapiro photo

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