Signs would warn firefighters of dangerous Chicago buildings

CHICAGO — A new measure would put signs on dangerous vacant buildings in Chicago to warn first responders.

Under the measure, no one would be able to enter buildings deemed dangerous without permission of the fire commissioner, according to the Chicago Tribune.

After the December 2010 roof collapse that killed two firefighters, the city began to compile a list of dangerous buildings for 911 dispatchers.

The dispatchers will then have the information on hand to warn first responders en route to those sites.

"Had our guys been able to see that there was a structural instability in the building, our tactics would have been much different," said Richard Ford II, the city’s deputy fire commissioner for fire prevention.

The measure would add 2-by-2-foot reflective signs sporting a large red "X" on each of those dangerous buildings, the Tribune said.

No one, not even the owners, could enter dangerous buildings without permission. This ensures that firefighters are aware if anyone is inside the building, say, to make repairs, said Vicki Kraft, a city attorney.

On December 22, 2010, firefighters Edward Stringer and Corey Ankum were killed in a roof collapse that also injured 17 other firefighters.

If the warning signs are approved Wednesday, the city will move quickly to put the signs up, utilizing a $675,000 grant for the effort.