Engine Co. 78

If a Chicago Cub hit a mammoth home to left field, a home run that soared above the fans and sailed out of Wrigley Field entirely, the ball might land near the firefighters perched outside Chicago Fire Department Engine Company 78. In a city with a history defined by fire, it’s only right there should be a firehouse outside one of Chicago’s biggest landmarks.

The two-story firehouse was one of the first in Chicago designed for motorized instead of horse-drawn firetrucks. The fire house was completed in 1915, the year after Wrigley Field opened across Waveland Avenue.

A century as neighbors has brought plenty of upgrades: bigger bleachers, faster firetrucks, and, finally, stadium lights installed in 1988. But some things haven’t changed much at all.

When there are no game-day emergencies, firefighters at Engine 78 set up on the bench outside the firehouse, listening to the sounds of the game, selling CFD merchandise, and offering firehouse tours to Cubs fans, as well as select away fans.

The department, notably, has more success stories than the baseball team across the street, who have won just one World Series since the fire house was built.