Crews Respond to Residential Structure Fire at 507 5th Avenue
A 911 call, at approximately 11:12 pm Thursday night, reported a fire in a multi-story/multi-unit apartment building. This initiated a structure fire response for Sterling Fire Department, with automatic aid from Rock Falls Fire Department, CGH EMS and Sterling Police Department. A Full Still response of Dixon Rural Fire Protection District and Milledgeville Fire Protection District were also dispatched after the automatic aid dispatch.
First arriving responders reported flames were visible from the side of the home and a MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) Box 10 to the Box Alarm level was called for.
The initial crew found an occupant coming from the fire apartment. She was assisted to EMS for care on scene. Sterling Police advised there were other occupants and a search was initiated, as well as the fire attack.
Due to the number of possible victims, the Alarm was upgraded to a Second Alarm. There was a total of seven other fire departments that responded for assistance. CGH EMS treated a total of three occupants on scene, but none were transported. The fire was under control within 27 minutes.
ComEd, NICOR, Salvation Army and 1-800-Board Up were called to assist at the scene, as was the State Fire Marshall and Sterling Code Enforcement. Unfortunately, there were two pets that were killed from smoke inhalation.
The fire is not deemed suspicious, but remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshall and Sterling Fire Department. The building sustained significant fire and smoke damage. Names are being withheld at this time.