I recently came across some fascinating historical photos shared by Eric Haak. These images capture a major fire that broke out on January 28, 1965, at what used to be an abandoned grain mill located at 2203-09 South Lumber Street in Chicago. For those who know the area well, this site is now home to Ozinga concrete, positioned just south of Cermak along the Chicago River.
The first photo in this series really draws your attention—there's something about the sheer scale of the blaze that’s both awe-inspiring and humbling. You can see multiple fire trucks responding to the scene, their master streams creating an impressive display of water power against the flames. According to the notes, there were 13 master streams actively spraying water at one point during the firefighting efforts, which must have been quite a spectacle for anyone watching.
The second image shows Engine 8 pulling up to the scene, its crew ready to tackle the inferno. It’s incredible how quickly these firefighters responded, given that the time of the alarm was reported as 4:47 PM. The third photo highlights Engine 23, another vital piece of equipment in the operation. The dedication and precision required to manage such a large-scale fire become evident when you look at these pictures.
There’s also a shot that captures the entire firefighting effort from above, showcasing the coordinated chaos of multiple streams working together to douse the flames. It’s not just about the firefighting equipment; it’s about the teamwork and strategy behind every move made by the Chicago Fire Department (CFD).
One thing that stands out is the historical value of these photos. They remind us of a time when firefighting techniques and technology were different but no less effective. The grain mill itself has long since disappeared, replaced by modern infrastructure, but these images preserve a piece of Chicago’s past—a moment frozen in time where history meets heroism.
It’s always inspiring to see how far we’ve come in terms of safety measures and emergency response strategies. At the same time, these photos serve as a testament to the courage and resilience of the firefighters who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others. Eric Haak’s collection offers a unique glimpse into Chicago’s firefighting history, and I’m grateful he shared these images with us.
Di-Tert-Amyl Peroxide,Luperox Dta,Tert-Amyl Peroxide,Di-T-Amyl Peroxide
Jiangsu Zhongluman New Material Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.rozhmch.com