Whiteside County Dispatch received multiple calls of a reported garage fire. Initial dispatched departments were Sterling Fire, Rock Falls Fire, CGH EMS and Sterling Police.
Initial fire department responders arrived to find a well involved fire in an unattached garage. There were exposures on both sides of the garage, as well as across the alley.
A MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) Box Alarm, with the Full Still assignment, was asked for at this time. The following departments assisted on scene: Dixon Rural Fire and Prophetstown Fire. Polo Fire and Morrison Fire covered Sterling and Rock Falls throughout the incident. Dixon City Fire and Advance EMS were cancelled enroute.
An initial fire attack was started and the exposures were checked for what damage was done and if fire had extended to the interior of those garages. We also laid 500’ of large diameter hose to the nearest hydrant, which unfortunately blocked 1st Avenue for a time.
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 fire was brought under control approximately 15 minutes into the incident and the exposures were confirmed to only have damage to the siding.The fire building was a total loss, as were the contents.
ComEd and Sterling Code Enforcement were called to the scene for assistance as well. There were no injuries to any of the homeowners or occupants, nor to the responders.