Gurnee 5-11 alarm fire 8-23-11
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The Gurnee Fire Department responded to a major fire at the Vista Hotel on Grand Avenue in Gurnee after receiving calls from drivers reporting heavy smoke around 6:45 PM on Tuesday. The hotel, which had previously operated as a Holiday Inn, was undergoing renovations to reopen as a new establishment. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered thick smoke and visible flames in the ballroom area, which was separated from the main guest rooms by a large foyer and open lobby.
Engine 1322 attempted to enter through the main entrance to prevent the fire from spreading into the adjacent areas but faced intense heat and heavy flames fueled by stored furniture. Due to the severity, crews switched to a defensive strategy. Within 15 minutes, the alarm was upgraded to a MABAS Box Alarm, followed by a second alarm shortly after. After about 45 minutes, the situation escalated to a fifth alarm.
Two tower ladders, one from Gurnee and another from Round Lake, operated in the 'A' sector while Gurnee Engine 1321 provided support with hand lines and a deck gun. As the sun set, the fire intensified, with more smoke and flames rising from the ballroom. Firefighters from over 20 departments across Lake County and beyond were on scene, including units from Antioch, Fox Lake, Mundelein, Beach Park, Libertyville, Zion, Waukegan, and others. The MABAS Division 5 Air Unit and the MESS Canteen also arrived to assist.
Long water supply lines were necessary due to hydrant placement, leading to road closures on Grand Avenue. The fire was largely contained to the ballroom, which was destroyed, with some minor spread into the lobby. After hours of effort, firefighters worked to douse the remaining embers, with an excavator used to clear debris and access hidden hot spots.
Photographers Larry Shapiro and Tim Olk captured the event, with Larry planning to post a video soon. Additional images can be viewed on their respective galleries. A brief article about the incident is available [here](#), [here](#), and [here](#).