At approximately 7:22 pm Wednesday evening, Sterling Fire Department, Rock Falls Fire Department, CGH EMS and Sterling PD were dispatched for a reported structure fire in a home.
The arriving crews found smoke coming from the attic area and asked for a MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) Box 10 to the Box Alarm Level. This request would pull aid from Dixon Rural FPD, Prophetstown FPD, Milledgeville FPD, Morrison Fire, Amboy Fire and Advance Ambulance.
An interior attack was initiated and found the fire to be contained to the attic area, although there was extensive fire and smoke to be controlled. Due to the need for exterior ventilation, the heat and humidity; a 2nd Alarm was then asked for, which pulled aid from Dixon City Fire, Tampico Fire, Polo Fire, Erie Fire and Morrison EMS.
At approximately 8:32 pm Command advised the fire was under control, although there were some hot spots to be mitigated. At approximately 9:16 pm, the fire was labeled as completely extinguished.
The occupants were accounted for, as were their pets. No civilians or responders were injured during the incident.
The fire department was assisted on scene by all of the following agencies: Com Ed, NICOR, Sterling Code Enforcement, Red Cross, Salvation Army, 1800Boardup. The State Fire Marshall’s Office was contacted and will investigate the fire.