As I drove toward the scene of the massive warehouse fire in Cicero last night, the towering columns of black smoke were already visible from several blocks away. The fire had broken out earlier that evening and quickly escalated, prompting a significant response from multiple neighboring departments. Larry Shapiro's photos captured the intense heat and scale of the blaze as it consumed the structure.
Arriving almost an hour into the fire, the first thing that struck me was the sheer volume of water being pumped onto the inferno. Classic engines, some decades old but still performing admirably, stood side by side with modern apparatus, all working together under immense pressure. One image shows firefighters struggling to thaw a frozen hydrant, a common challenge during winter fires when temperatures plummet overnight.
The most dramatic shot is undoubtedly the one taken moments after a master stream was deployed. A Cicero engine and a Hinsdale tower ladder worked in unison, creating an impressive curtain of water that seemed to momentarily hold back the advancing flames. Another photo highlights the Bedford Park Snorkel 705 in action, its articulated arm reaching high above the burning building to deliver streams of water directly onto the hottest spots.
Throughout the night, the operation evolved rapidly. Firefighters stretched lines to supply Stickney Truck with much-needed water while other units focused on protecting adjacent structures from catching fire. A particularly striking image captures the moment when a Snorkel was prepared for deployment, its operator assessing the best angle to attack the blaze.
By the time I left around 11 PM, the fire was still raging strong, sending massive plumes of smoke into the sky that could be seen from miles away. The exposure building next door was visibly compromised, with flames licking at its walls and black smoke billowing from the roof. It was a reminder of how quickly such incidents can spiral out of control, even with coordinated efforts from so many agencies.
The full scope of this incident will likely take days to fully assess, but it’s clear that the combined resources of MABAS divisions 11 and 20 played a crucial role in managing what could have been a far worse disaster. For those interested in more details or additional photos, Larry Shapiro has generously shared a large gallery of images that offer further insight into the chaos and courage displayed that night.
If you want to stay updated, check out the links provided for follow-up reports and analyses. This fire serves as yet another testament to the dedication and skill of our local firefighting community.
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