Tuesday night, just before 8 PM, a 991 call sent emergency services to 6th Avenue. Sterling Police were first at the scene, reporting smoke and flames billowing from an upstairs window of a two-story house divided into apartments. A Box Alarm was quickly escalated, prompting additional support from neighboring fire departments including Dixon Rural and Prophetstown. Milledgeville Fire and Advance Ambulance were also on scene. Morrison Fire and Amboy Fire covered the two fire departments
Firefighters initially tackled the blaze from the outside, then moved indoors to fully extinguish it, using about 250 gallons of water. Smoke damage was reported, and two families have been displaced. Three residents were treated for smoke inhalation on-site. Additionally, two cats were resuscitated and are now under the care of Whiteside Animal Control.
The scene has been turned over to Sterling Code Enforcement. 1-800-Boardup and the Red Cross were contacted to assist the displaced families.
