On Friday, July 7th, at approximately 2:24am Sterling Police Department, Sterling Fire Department, Rock Falls Fire Department, and CGH EMS responded to a reported structure fire at 406 East 3rd Street, Sterling.
The ATF National Response Team began an investigation into the cause and origin of the fire. On Friday July 14th, the ATF National Response Team concluded their portion of the onsite investigation. Evidence collected at the scene is currently undergoing analysis in an effort to determine the cause and origin.
Members of the Sterling Police Department, Illinois State Fire Marshal and ATF Fire Investigator Services continue their investigation which includes interviewing witnesses as well as collecting and analyzing additional information. There is no timeframe for the investigation as it remains open and ongoing. ATF will release its findings to the Sterling Fire and Police Departments when complete. The City of Sterling will release the findings once the investigation is complete.
The scene has been released and was turned over to the property owner. The City is working jointly with the owners of property affected by this tragedy and their insurance companies. The City is communicating with owners and their insurance companies to clean up the debris.
Route 2 was reopened Friday, July 14th, but is restricted to one lane in the 400 block of E. 3rd Street until debris is removed and the remaining structure is no longer a danger to pedestrians or traffic in the north lane.