Now and then we have a client who asks us why buildings (especially those larger buildings) are required to have fire protection sprinkler systems.
Well, this is why. Here we have a 1970's 25-story building, on the south side of Chicago (Harper Square coop building), that is currently (and I mean right now) having a major fire on higher floors. It appears to be on the 15th - 24th floors.
This is a disaster... the fire hoses don't even reach the higher floors. There are many, many Chicago fire trucks and firefighters present, struggling to get this fire under control.
There is no word, yet, as to whether anyone has been hurt, and residents who are not directly affected by the fire, have been asked to shelter in place... so far, the city feels an evacuation order is not necessary.. It's currently in the mid 20's, and snowing,, here in Chicago today. So being displaced, even to stand outside and watch, would be physically uncomfortable. Apparently 5 people have been sent to local hospitals (presumably smoke inhalation?).
It's a building of 360 units. I imagine many of the units, even though they're not fire-damaged, will have water/smoke damage. So far, the fire damage seems to be contained to one single tier, most likely due to functioning firewalls, that keep it from spreading side to side. (thank heaven for small favours).
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