Historic 5-11 Alarm fire with 4 Specials at the Continental Grain Co in 1966

This message comes from Eric Haak:

With things being pretty quiet lately, I thought I'd share some historical photos that caught my attention. This is one of the more memorable fires in the past 50 years. It was the abandoned 9-story Continental Grain Company Elevator located at 32nd Place and Benson Street, on the east side of the South Branch of the Chicago River. The fire broke out just after 7:00 PM on May 25, 1966. Within 20 minutes, the incident was escalated to a 5-11 with 4 Specials on scene. For those who were around back then, this fire is still vivid in their memory. For younger readers, it's a reminder of the rich history of our fire department and the importance of preserving such moments. The photographer remains unknown, and these images are part of my personal collection.

These photos give a glimpse into a dramatic moment in Chicago’s history. While the fire itself was tragic, it also serves as a reminder of how quickly situations can escalate and how vital emergency services are in such moments. Sharing these images helps keep the story alive for future generations.

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