This was the second of a "Doubleheader"- we had two structure fires within 4 hours. This was a 4-story apartment building, with a bar/restaurant on the first floor. We had reports of a one-legged man trapped on the third floor, but the rescue team only found his leg. Luckily, he had escaped the fire and was sitting under a tree across the street! The building was badly damaged, but we saved enough to rebuild.
The fireball coming out of the doorway and window was caused by the collapse of the floor in the bathroom above the flaming window. See that guy on the stairway, about to enter the door? I was the guy in front of him, with two others in front of me!
Thanks to "Dex" for the awesome camera work, and allowing me to use this shot. I did some digital cleaning to remove "Rainspots" caused by the smoke and heavy fog. I didn't modify or enhance the flames, however- those are real! -Christopher "Ratboy" Hykes, Trafford Fire Co.