I recently received this message from Eric Haak, who shared some fascinating photos from a significant fire incident back in 1964. Here’s what he had to say:
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"I've got some additional images from the major fire that broke out on April 4, 1964, at the old Central Bag Manufacturing Company building on South Iron Street between 3610 and 3620. At the time, the building was being used as a pillow factory by the Purofied Down Products Company. The fire started around 11:00 AM and quickly turned into quite the spectacle.
In one of the earlier photos I shared, you can see two firefighters on the roof of a one-story section of the building with their arms raised. It made me curious—was this some kind of signal or communication method used back then? Firefighting practices have evolved so much since then, but there must be a reason for this gesture. If anyone knows the significance, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’ve attached a few more images below. They provide different angles of the same fire, capturing the intensity and chaos of the situation. It's amazing how resilient these firefighters were despite the danger they faced.
Enjoy these photos, and let me know if any of you recognize anything specific about the equipment or techniques used!"
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Attached to Eric’s message were several black-and-white photographs that vividly captured the fire scene. One image showed a classic firefighting setup with a high-pressure hose wagon battling the flames, while another highlighted the intricate teamwork among the firefighters as they worked together to control the blaze. In yet another photo, a Chicago Fire Department Snorkel truck could be seen positioned strategically to reach areas inaccessible by ground units.
The fire, though devastating, left behind a rich historical record through these images. Each photo tells its own story, reflecting not only the technical aspects of firefighting during that era but also the dedication and bravery of those involved. Whether it’s the positioning of equipment, the coordination among teams, or the sheer scale of the operation, every detail offers insight into how far we’ve come—and how much remains unchanged—in modern firefighting practices.
If anyone has any information about the specific signals or gestures used by firefighters in the past, especially something as intriguing as raising their arms, please do share! These kinds of details help bridge the gap between history and today’s methods, giving us a clearer picture of how things used to be done.
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