Interdivisional Box Alarm and Haz Mat in Park Forest, 5-16-17
June 18 09:30:49, 2025
On Monday, May 16, 2017, I was at Star Disposal Service located at 20 South Street in Park Forest to cover an incident involving an Interdivisional Box and a Haz Mat Box. The whole event was quite intense, and I managed to capture some compelling photos that really tell the story of what happened. These images were taken by my good friend, Tim Olk, who has a keen eye for detail and always manages to get the best shots.
One of the first things I noticed was the presence of a fire truck from HME, parked strategically at the scene. It was almost like it was standing guard over everything that was happening. The fire truck looked massive against the backdrop of the small salvage yard, its red color standing out vividly against the charred remains. (Image credit: Tim Olk)
Next to the fire truck, there was a towering ladder from the Matteson Fire Department. This ladder seemed to reach for the skies, as if trying to peer into the chaos that had unfolded. It was impressive to see how these firefighters were prepared for any situation, no matter how daunting it might be. (Image credit: Tim Olk)
The Park Forest Fire Department was also heavily involved, with their Engine 56 arriving promptly. Engine 56 looked ready for action, its powerful engine humming with potential. It was clear that the firefighters were focused and determined to bring the situation under control. (Image credit: Tim Olk)
As I walked around the scene, I couldn’t help but notice the aftermath of the fire. A front-end loader was clearing debris, its once-bright yellow paint now dull and grimy from the soot. It was a stark reminder of the destruction left behind by such incidents. (Image credit: Tim Olk)
The firefighters themselves were a sight to behold. Armed with their hose lines, they were methodically mopping up any remaining flames. Their teamwork was evident, each member knowing exactly what needed to be done without needing verbal commands. It was inspiring to see such dedication and professionalism in action. (Image credit: Tim Olk)
Another striking image was that of another front-end loader that had been severely damaged by the fire. Its metal body was twisted and blackened, a testament to the power of the flames. Despite its condition, it still stood tall amidst the wreckage, silently bearing witness to the events of that day. (Image credit: Tim Olk)
Throughout the entire ordeal, the firefighters remained calm and collected. One particular firefighter was seen using a hose to hit hotspots, ensuring that no embers were left smoldering. His focus was unwavering, and his actions spoke volumes about his commitment to public safety. (Image credit: Tim Olk)
All in all, it was a harrowing yet fascinating experience to witness firsthand how quickly a salvage yard fire can escalate. The efforts of the firefighters were nothing short of heroic, and I’m grateful to have been able to document this event through Tim’s excellent photography. It’s moments like these that remind us of the importance of having well-trained emergency responders who are always ready to step up when disaster strikes.