Major Fire in Downtown Lincoln

[SCPD]

Major fire in downtown Lincoln this morning. The call came in at 8:52a of a fire at ABC Book on the 900 block of O st. 1st on-scene report smoke and flames. The incident is well over 1 hour now. A second alarm was declared. Might make for some good listening on the feed. Firefighters are frustrated by cold weather and poor running water supplies on some hydrants.

The following units are on scene: Battalion 1, Battalion 2, Battalion 2C, Decon1 (being used for warmth and rehab), EMS 1, Engine 1, Engine 10, Engine 13, Engine 14, Engine 3, Engine 8, Fire Car 2, Fire Car 8, Medic 8, Truck 1, Truck 7 and Truck 8. Tacs being used are Tac 4 (main fireground), Tac 5 (division C) and Tac 8 (planning with LFR and EOC).

Red Cross is on scene, power has reportedly been turned off for the entire block. City EOC is up and running as well.

There has been a partial collapse, no injuries mentioned, though conditions are getting very icy and slick. Command has requested city dispatch Public Works with a small sand truck. Three people and two pets were relocated from an apartment in the building next door.

 

[wb0qqk]

That's probably one of the older buildings in Downtown Lincoln?

 

[mr_tunz]

It is actually an adult store. here is the link for the story and photo's.


Adult novelty store burns in downtown Lincoln
article

Collection : Photo gallery: Fire in downtown Lincoln, 12.12.2010
pics

 

[wb0qqk]

It appears to be of early 20th Century construction.

 

[SCPD]

That's probably one of the older buildings in Downtown Lincoln?

As a matter of fact, it was built in the late 1800s.

Here is a story about the building itself. I found it interesting to read.

http://journalstar.com/news/local/article_ae9338f7-fd5d-589f-ba4e-b99b64300e53.html

 

[wb0qqk]

Thanks, that's what I was wondering. Those old multi-level buildings can be dangerous.
I've seen many fires in ancient structures over the years. It never seems to fail that a wall
will collapse and endanger firefighters and apparatus. I remember when the Swift Packing
Plant burned in South Omaha in 1971. An OFD aerial truck was adjacent to the building
when it became apparent that the west wall was going to fall. The truck had become stuck
in mud that was created by all the water being poured on the fire. A local fire equipment
salesman had a heavy-duty all-wheel drive attack pumper at the scene. He took a chain,
attached it to the aerial and pulled away from the building. About two minutes later, the
wall did collapse which would have destroyed the aerial truck.

 

[SCPD]

They still have O street closed off from 9th to 10th streets. To my knowledge, I don't think they have entered the building because of instability issues. I noticed in the paper this morning one fire official was quoted as saying "there is nothing holding up the front wall..." Sounds like the east and south walls collapsed during the fire.

It is a given that this old historic building will have to come down. I believe the city wishes it to be as quick as possible. Stalling things now are the instability of the building, and massive amounts of ice, everywhere. Monday during the daylight hours LFR was attempting to put water on a smoldering spot somewhere near the center of the building.

 

[Kingmobileaudio]

Wish I had my scanner on me to get this out on IPN.

Glad everyone is okay!