On Wednesday, September 25th, Sterling’s Emergency Communications Center (TwinCom) dispatched the Fire Department for the structure fire in a dwelling located in the 600 block of West 5th Street in Sterling at 5pm. TwinCom dispatched a structure fire response assignment consisting of crews from Sterling and Rock Falls with CGH EMS. While companies were enroute, they were notified of an occupant still inside the home possibly trapped in a bedroom.
At 5:10, the first arriving engine arrived on scene and found smoke showing from a 2 1⁄2 story wood frame duplex home. Police were already on the scene and were attempting to secure the scene and account for occupants. Crews were advised to standby and began fire attack operations and entered the structure to search for occupants. A fire was located in a 2nd floor bedroom that had extended into the attic and ceilings of the second floor. A MABAS Box alarm was called at 5:15 and a 2nd alarm at 5:45, to assist in overhaul and crew relief.
One occupant was transported to CGH with smoke inhalation symptoms. The incident was deemed under control at 6:50pm. and companies were returned to quarters.
The IL Office of the State Fire Marshal was notified and, on the scene, conducting the fire investigation. Fire companies remained on the scene while the
investigation took place, The American Red Cross was called to assist occupants in shelter.
The Sterling Fire Department was assisted on the scene by the Rock Falls, Dixon Rural, Prophetstown, Milledgeville, Morrison, Amboy, Tampico and Dixon City fire departments. The Polo fire department provided station coverage. The cause is being investigated. There were no injuries to any firefighters while operating on scene.
The building was deemed to be uninhabitable by the Sterling Code Enforcement and the fire department. An estimate of the fire damage is not yet available.
