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Lake Forest firefighters were dispatched to what was initially reported as a basement fire on Tuesday afternoon at 180 W. Laurel Avenue. When the first responding unit arrived, they didn’t see any visible signs of fire from the outside. However, once they entered the large house, they discovered smoke inside. Within approximately nine minutes, the emergency response level was escalated several times—starting as a working still alarm, then upgraded to a MABAS Box Alarm, and finally to a second-alarm status when smoke began seeping out from under the eaves.
Attached you’ll find photos taken by Larry Shapiro, capturing various moments during the incident. The property had a hydrant located at the end of its long, winding driveway, which presented some challenges for the first-due Lake Forest engine and the Knollwood quint as they attempted to access it. Firefighters eventually managed to locate the source of the flames—initially in the void spaces beneath the first floor and later spreading to some walls on the second floor.
The situation became serious enough that the alarm was further escalated to a third-alarm status to bring in additional backup units in case the fire spread beyond control. Fortunately, thanks to the quick and coordinated efforts of all involved departments, the fire was brought under control relatively quickly without causing significant structural damage to the home. Temperatures were well below freezing, with a biting wind chill making conditions even more challenging for everyone involved.
In addition to Lake Forest's resources, numerous neighboring towns also contributed their support, including Knollwood, Highwood, Mundelein, Lake Bluff, Libertyville, Beach Park, Highland Park, Grayslake, Lake Villa, Wauconda, Round Lake, Countryside, Gurnee, Great Lakes, Fox Lake, Lincolnshire, Northbrook, Long Grove, Barrington Countryside, Quad 2 Mobile Command Post, and Deerfield. Each department played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of both the residents and the firefighters themselves.
Attached are more photos showcasing different apparatuses such as Beach Park Engine 1222, Round Lake Engine 262, and Great Lakes Truck 1931. These images provide insight into the scale and complexity of the operation.
Special thanks go out to Larry Shapiro and Tim Olk for documenting these events so vividly. Their work helps us appreciate the dedication and professionalism displayed by our local fire departments every day. A full collection of Larry’s photographs will be available shortly on his website.
As someone who witnessed this entire ordeal unfold, I must say it was inspiring to see how seamlessly different agencies worked together despite the harsh weather conditions. It truly highlights the importance of teamwork and preparedness in situations like these. Let’s hope no one sustained injuries while battling this blaze!