Posted on 12/06/2004 5:15:28 PM PST by GRRRRR
A high rise in the Chicago Loop at 135 S. LaSalle has at least one floor on fire. Live shots show a raging fire through the windows.
This is the LaSalle Bank Building. Began just after 1830h.
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CLTV again reporting the woman who was on the ground right when it happened said there was a 'massive explosion' with a 'huge fireball'.
My mom lives in RLB ..... I live in Grayslake!
I work in the Chicago Board of Trade building, 2 blocks from the fire.
If that means when the fire just began, this ain't good news. What would happen if a gas line was breached? Wouldn't it just keep feeding the fire?
Forget my "fire day" .... just got the call, have to go downtown and work with our business process resumption team.
You all have a good night.
Chicago FD has requested the Suburban Mutual Aid System. Suburban relief for main Chicago fire dept's to continue to protect their regular communities.
10 other 'burbs in addition to Round Lake are responding.
Wow. And at least 10 firefighters have been upgraded to fair condition from serious, Praise be to God!
Had to step away, and just caught back up. Looks like the sit-rep is improving for the minute.
CLTV reporting that 10 more engines may be called up from the suburbs.
I used to live in McHenry. I miss it alot. Been gone 6 years.
In any event, once the fire is out, it will be relatively easy to determine the point of origin as well as the cause. Even in a very hot fire, the evidence of origin doesn't "burn up". We've even determined point of origin in residential structures that had nothing left but the concrete foundation and a few charred timbers.
They did say several hours ago that the gas line has definitely been shut off to the building.
Looks like a little bit of a flare up again, to the left side of the building from the chopper shot. Waters on it though.
Thank God for the upgrade on the firefighters. :-)
I am always fascinated by the work that arson/fire investigators do. Just amazing work they do.
I have not seen any of this on tv. Would you say it is about under control?
Good luck!
good luck and God Bless to you all.
It is amazing how sophisticated and technical it has become. And the tools available just keep on getting better. I haven't been in the fire business since '92, but I keep up with recent developments and they are remarkable.
The CLTV report makes it sound as though the explosion was primary, but you're right...we have to wait for the investigation.
My mother and brother live in McHenry.
Hope all goes well for you, and all your plans come together.
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