A full-staff response of the Dixon Rural Fire Protection District, Milledgeville Fire Protection District, and Prophetstown Fire Protection District was also dispatched after the automatic aid dispatch, although Prophetstown had to pass on the request.
Upon arrival, smoke was coming from the building, and a MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) Box 10 to the Box Alarm level was called for. This brought Dixon City Fire, Amboy Fire, and Advance EMS to the scene. Morrison Fire and Polo Fire both stood by for the Sterling and Rock Falls fire departments for the duration of the incident.
The crews found the building to be a two-story residential building that had been modified to have two apartments. The fire was in the basement and was contained within 25 minutes. There was fire damage in the basement, but smoke damage throughout. The residents were not able to return to their apartments. The building will be turned over to Code Enforcement, which also responded to the scene.
The cause was found to be accidental. 800-Boardup assisted with securing the building and with one of the families occupying the building. Emergency responders were on scene for approximately two and a half hours.
No occupants, animals, or responders were injured during the incident.
For further information, please contact Fire Chief David Northcutt with the contact information below.
David Northcutt
Fire Chief
Sterling Fire Department
dnorthcutt@sterling-il.gov
815-632-6680
