Operations & Training

Chicago Heights, IL, Residents Call for Changes after Water Woes at Fire

Oct. 30, 2024

Unable to find an operable hydrant, Chicago Heights firefighters dragged a hose for more than a block away.

Angry residents who lost their houses in Chicago Heights last week are demanding changes after learning hydrants were inoperable.

Finding an unresponsive hydrant, firefighters dragged a line from more than a block away as the fire raged and spread, WGN reported.

At the scene, one resident said he asked crews what the delay was all about.

“I said, ‘What are you guys doing? Are you going to put this fire out, or what?'” resident Doris Williams said.

This came 30 minutes after a Chicago Heights officer found a vacant home across the street ablaze. That fire eventually spread to two nearby homes.

Residents are urging upgrades to infrastructure.

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.