PHOTO: Chicago firefighters battled a large fire at an industrial building in Chicago's Back of the Yards neighborhood. The 3-alarm fire started around 10:45 p.m. Wednesday, at 1400 West 42nd Place, and burned for hours until firefighters put it out just before 3:30 a.m. Chicago fire officials said a large number of pallets were burning in the loading dock area. The building also contained furniture. They said much of the fire impacted the storage area. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.  

PHOTO: At a Tuesday morning news conference downtown Springfield Fire Department officials gathered to show off their latest tool to be used in ensuring resident's safety. The Knox HomeBox Loaner Program, is a new initiative aimed at enhancing First Responder residential home access during emergencies. Springfield Fire Chief, Ed Canny, says the boxes are very secure against break in, are free to qualifying residents and will be installed by fire dept. personnel. 100 boxes will be available. At $200 each they were purchased through a grant provided by FEMA. The boxes are on loan so when the resident no longer has a need for the device it is to be returned to SFD. City Fire Marshal, Todd Taylor, says the boxes not only will allow quick access by EMT to the residence but will allow them to secure the residence once they leave the premises.  

Hinsdale's fire chief plans to retire next month after 32 years with the fire department. John Giannelli, who took the helm seven years ago, submitted his resignation letter last month. His last day is April 5. With his retirement, the village is considering doing away with the deputy chief's position. In a memo, Village Manager Kathleen Gargano said the village's needs are best met by doing away with the post. "With each vacancy in the Village, the Village routinely takes the opportunity to evaluate staffing needs against the work the department must accomplish," she said. In a brief interview, Giannelli said such staffing reviews are normal, but declined to comment further. Jon Carlson is the current deputy chief. The village's proposal on his position may indicate that he is in line for the top job, although no one has said that publicly.  

More than 150 Chicago firefighters battled a three-alarm fire at a business in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. The fire broke out at about 10:43 p.m. in the 4200-block of South Ashland Avenue, Chicago police said. The company, called CAC Seating, makes furniture for restaurants, including booths, tables and chairs. The Chicago Fire Department said there was a large volume of pallets burning on the loading dock area. The fire was struck Thursday morning and no injuries were reported. Firefighters remained on the scene Thursday morning to put out any hot spots.  

VIDEO: Moore firefighters train to battle not only dangerous fires, but hoarding conditions as well. A brand new training area now gives Moore firefighters first-hand experience when evacuating hoarder homes, thanks to a local nonprofit. Goodwill Central Oklahoma donated nearly $3,000 worth of salvaged goods to the Moore Fire Department. "We sent a big truck and it was full of seven crates that had everything from clothing, home decor, and different furniture items that were already in slightly damaged condition," said Sophia Schwechheimer, Goodwill Director of Communications. Moore Fire Chief Greg Herbster said his crews don't go into hoarder homes often, but when they do, it brings additional challenges. "Anytime we're exposed to these hoarder conditions, it presents quite a challenge for our personnel," said Herbster.  

VIDEO: Because it was on the roof of a skyscraper under construction, a floor-wide fire in Lower Manhattan Wednesday was visible for miles. Hard work by nearly 80 firefighters and EMTs got the blaze under control, but its location — just steps away from the World Trade Center site — left many of the thousands of people in the Financial District concerned that this wasn't just any fire. "Right to 9/11, another episode," said John Morales, a security guard at the building across the street, about where his mind went as soon as he saw the flames. "[It's] unfortunate," he continued, "[but] as a New Yorker, that's what we expect." Images of the blaze were captivating, in the worst way. On top of the 72-story building, apparently from the cone of a utility unit, flames and smoke billowed up to the sky.  

VIDEO/PHOTOS: In about four months, towns across America will hold their very own Fourth of July parades. Local fire and rescue teams often join in the fun, hanging off fire trucks and ambulances as they ride through town. If you find yourself in Waverly for its parade, you might see something a little less normal. They have a fire truck, too, but this one is 90 years old. Waverly Fire and Rescue's 1934 Ford Model BB fire truck has been a prized possession of the city for many years. Showcased at local events, the truck is a window into the past. Besides being a piece of history, the truck has quite the story of its own. In November 1953, 19 years after the truck was purchased by the city, its engine failed on the way to a house fire in Prairie Home. Because of this, the truck was sold.