On Tuesday morning, a 911 call from a home owner, at approximately 1:45am, reported his house was on fire. 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.
The Police Officers arrived and reported flames were visible from the side of the home and the owner stated everyone was out of the house. He was complaining of breathing some smoke, while exiting the home.
The first arriving fire apparatus made an initial exterior attack on the fire and when additional units arrived, transitioned to an interior fire attack. A MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) Box 10 to the Box Alarm level was called for at this time also.
The first arriving ambulance treated the owner and did transport him to CGH, for smoke inhalation and precautions. Other CGH EMS ambulances and Advanced EMS stood by for the duration of the call.
The fire was logged under control at approximately 2am, and overhaul was started, ensuring all fire had been extinguished. Although the owner reported everyone was out, fire crews also ensured no one remained inside.
ComEd, NICOR and 1-800-Board Up were called to assist at the scene, as was the State Fire
Marshall.
Morrison Fire Department covered Sterling and Rock Falls during the incident. There were no other injuries reported from the scene, although the owner did lose a dog from smoke inhalation.
The fire is not deemed suspicious, but remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshall and Sterling Fire Department. The home sustained heavy fire and smoke damage.
Names are being withheld at this time, due to family notification.