DETROIT, MI, OCT. 17, 2014 – At approximately 3 P.M., Detroit 5th Battalion companies responded to a reported building fire at West Chicago and Nardin Drive. While enroute, Engine 42 reported heavy smoke showing. Engine 42 arrived on the scene and reported a vacant, four-story apartment building on fire and requested two additional engines on the box. Companies stretched and attempted a interior attack. Chief 5 arrived on the scene and assumed incident command.
With heavy fire conditions, Chief 5 ordered all companies out of the building and requested a second alarm and defensive operations were set up. Ladder 17’s platform was sent up and Engine 40 and Engine 34 monitors were put into operation. Due to low water pressure, crews were forced to shut down and reposition. Chief 5 requested a second platform to the scene. Companies operated for three hours to bring the fire under control. Responding to the incident were Engines 42, 34, 39, 40, 17 and 35; Ladders 17 and7; Squads 4 and 5; Chiefs 5 and 2; and Car 203.
—Dennis Walus
