2-11 Alarm fire with a Mayday response in Chicago, 3-31-19

Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:

Two Chicago firefighters were hospitalized after falling through a hole in the third-floor ceiling of an apartment building near Monroe Street and Albany Avenue. The incident occurred during a fire that broke out on Sunday evening, which quickly spread to a nearby 1Â½-story structure. A mayday alert was issued around 8:45 p.m. when two firefighters fell all the way to the first floor. One managed to escape on his own, while the other was assisted by colleagues and taken to an ambulance.

The two firefighters were initially listed in serious-to-critical condition but were reported to be alert and speaking by Sunday night. They were expected to remain under observation for further evaluation. Over 100 firefighters and medics responded to the scene, working tirelessly to contain the blaze. It was noted that the building did not have any functioning smoke detectors, and no one appeared to be living on the second or third floors, though there were occupants on the first floor.

This report comes from Chi-Town Fire Photos:

On Sunday night, the MFAO dispatched units to a working fire at 3104 W. Monroe Street. Upon arrival, Battalion 18 found a three-story brick building with heavy fire spreading across the first, second, and third floors, along with exposure concerns. A Still and Box was quickly requested, and multiple engine companies deployed more than six hand lines, while two truck companies worked the roof. At one point, heavy fire was visible through the roof and top floor.

During the operation, several firefighters fell through a weakened floor, triggering a Mayday alert and a 2-11 response. It is believed that the RIT team successfully rescued one of the injured firefighters from the rear of the building. Although the fire was intense and the situation dangerous, the injuries sustained were not life-threatening. These photos were taken approximately ten minutes into the incident.

Chi-Town Fire Photos