Watch Rockford’s Bravest Fight Wednesday’s Devastating Church Fire

Wednesday evening smoke could be seen billowing out of downtown Rockford from miles and miles away.  Thirty Rockford Fire Fighters had a challenging evening as the battled a massive fire involving a 150-year-old abandoned church at Kishwaukee Street and Walnut Street. The fire on the north side of the building, according to WREX. RFD brought out the fleet for this blaze, eight engines including 5 fire trucks and 3 ladders.

All Rockford TV stations live-streamed this fire via Facebook but a local videographer filmed the devastation from his own camera while leaving work. The video is proof of the bravery of the men and women who suit up and put their lives on the line to extinguish massive flames. Neil Bloom filmed one firefighter at the top of a ladder as thick dark smoke consumed the first responder. This brings a unique perspective of what we might not ordinarily notice while driving by a scene like the one Wednesday evening.

It takes a different kind of brave to stand at the top of a ladder as a world of smoke overtakes you. Thank you Rockford Fire Department. Some of the bravest people in this city. There was sad energy around watching such a beautiful old building burn. I am proud of our Rockford Fire Department for all that they do.

Here's Neil's video.

JB Love is ½ of  Q98.5's Lil Zim & JB In The Morning, weekday mornings from 5:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.