On Thursday, February 6th at 3:10 p.m. 14 firefighters battled a blaze involving a Pace transit bus. Originally dispatched to a car fire at Apple Drive and Milwaukee Avenue in Prospect Heights, Engine 39 arrived and reported the fire was in a Pace Bus a block west of Milwaukee and they were attacking the fire. Firefighters confirmed with the bus driver that all passengers were off and none were injured. The fire involved the rear of the section of the bus and spread to both sides and underneath. Squad 9 used a second hose to also attack the fire. Due to the stubborn nature of the fire and the severe weather, Command asked RED Center to send Ambulance 9 and Wheeling Squad 42 for assistance. Foam from Engine 39 was used on the fire and saws from Squad 9 were used to cut open the sides and floor to access the fire. Squad 9’s driver had to shovel out a fire hydrant so a secure water supply could be established.
Freezing weather caused air masks to freeze up and for foam to coat the firefighters like snowmen. After more than an hour firefighters were able to have Pace’s large tow truck lift the bus so they could ensure the fire was completely out. City of Prospect Heights police blocked off Apple Drive from Milwaukee Avenue to Plaza until firefighting was completed, the bus towed away, and public works could salt the now ice covered road.