Around 12:20 p.m., the Summit Fire Protection District was called for a report of a semi-trailer truck on fire at 5101 S. Lawndale Ave. in McCook. This is a different Lawndale Avenue than the one that runs at 3700 West in Chicago and suburbs such as Skokie and Evergreen Park.
Upon arrival, Summit, McCook, and Lyons fire crews found that the fire at the industrial trucking facility had spread to multiple vehicles and pieces of equipment.
Thick black smoke billowed high into the sky and huge flames could be seen shooting from four trucks.
The burning semis were just the front units of the trucks, and did not appear to be attached to any trailers. Dozens of empty trailers, along with other semi-trucks, could be seen parked in the large lot.
The Summit Fire Protection District said fire suppression efforts were hampered by limited water supply and a downed power line — which was likely what stared the fire. The downed power line also created a hazard that temporarily delayed firefighting operations.
ComEd responded quickly and removed the power source, making it easier to fight the fire. Meanwhile, more fire companies from Bedford Park, Forest View, Central Stickney, and Pleasantview were called in to help obtain a water supply.
The fire ultimately destroyed four semi-trailer trucks, pieces of heavy machinery, and a container unit full of tires, the fire protection district said. Two firefighters suffered heat exhaustion and were treated on scene.
