Evanston Fire Department history Part 60

On the early evening of Tuesday, October 28, 1958, a fire broke out at Foster Elementary School, located at 2010 Dewey Avenue. Engine Company 23 was the first to arrive and deployed a 1-1/2 inch pre-connected hose line. Engine 25 provided a supply line for Engine 23 and also laid a dry 2-1/2 inch backup line before connecting to a hydrant. Engine 25 then pulled another 1-1/2 inch pre-connect from Engine 23, while Truck Company 23 helped locate the fire’s origin. Cross-trained police officers assisted with positioning ladders on the second floor and managing hose lines, preparing to operate Engine 25’s 2-1/2 inch backup line.

The fire was discovered in the attic of the school's older section, and crews from Engine 23, Engine 25, and Truck 23 struggled to reach it from below. A second alarm was called by F-2, followed quickly by a third. Engine 21, Truck 21, and Squad 21 (driven by the mechanic) responded on the second alarm, and Engine 24 and Truck 22 arrived on the third. Engine 22 transferred to Station #1 during this time.

Engine 21 and Truck 21 entered the west alley, while Engine 24 laid a supply line for Engine 21 and a backup 2-1/2 inch line before connecting to a hydrant. Crews from Engine 21 and 24 pulled hand lines from the west side of the school. Truck 22 assisted with salvage operations. Truck 21 immediately extended its main to the roof and began vertical ventilation.

Dewey Avenue was a through-street, so Squad 21 was parked north of Foster on Dewey, with the mechanic setting up four “night sun” floodlights. Chief Geishecker (F-1), who had just arrived from home, ordered a full Code 10, calling back both off-duty platoons. As soon as the first reserve engine was on duty, Engine 22 was sent to the scene to provide an elevated master stream atop Truck 21 on the west side. Squad 22 was dispatched in case the high-pressure turret was needed.

Eventually, all three reserve engines were put into service. Two pumpers were sent to Station #1 to cover the city, while Engine 27 (formerly Engine 23) responded directly from Station #3 to support Truck 23’s elevated stream on the east side. Additional firefighters arriving from home were picked up at their stations and transported to the scene in a CD pick-up truck. About 90 men were eventually on site, allowing for regular crew rotations.

By the time Chief Geishecker arrived, the fire had already spread significantly. To avoid repeating the tragedy of the Boltwood School fire in 1927, he requested mutual aid from the Chicago Fire Department. However, the response was somewhat confusing—six Chicago FD engine companies and the Chicago Civil Defense Fire & Rescue Service were sent, only to find out they were not immediately needed. They returned to their quarters, but the CCDFRS crews stayed for a while.

Foster School suffered significant damage to its roof and attic, some smoke and water damage on the second floor, and extensive water damage on the first and basement levels. While not destroyed, the fire caused a $325,000 loss—the second-highest in Evanston history at that time, after the 1940 Northwestern University Technological Institute fire. Students were temporarily relocated, but the building was repaired in time for the next school year.

This was the last time the Chicago FD responded to a mutual aid call in Evanston. From then on, the EFD would rely on suburban departments like Wilmette and Skokie. Wilmette became a fully professional department in 1958, and Skokie’s new chief, Raymond Redick, transformed the department into a top-tier force. The Skokie Civil Defense Fire & Rescue Corps (Squad 26) provided valuable support in many fires after 1959.

Although the Chicago FD did not return to Evanston after the Foster fire, the CCDFRS did respond once more in September 1959, after a microburst knocked down trees and caused power outages. Three squads helped clear streets using winches and chainsaws throughout the night.

Following the fire, the EFD established its Training Bureau on November 1, 1958. Captain Willard Thiel became the first training officer, overseeing all three platoons and police officers. He also managed the repair shop and equipment mechanics. This change reduced shift staffing by one person per shift, as Engine 21 no longer operated with a full four-man crew.

In addition, the Fire Prevention Bureau was upgraded in 1958. Captains replaced firemen as inspectors, and a civilian clerk-typist was hired. Captain Ed Fahrbach was promoted to assistant chief, and several firefighters were promoted to captain roles, marking a significant step in the department’s development.

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