The City of Sterling announced a call to 911, shortly before 8:00 PM Tuesday required the Sterling Fire Department, Rock Falls Fire Department, CGH EMS and Sterling Police Department be dispatched for a possible structure fire on 6th Avenue in Sterling.
Sterling PD arrived to find smoke coming from the upstairs window, with flames visible in the window as well, on a two-story home that had been split into two apartments.
The information encouraged the fire department to ask for a MABAS Box Alarm to the Box Alarm Level, bringing in assistance from Dixon Rural Fire, Prophetstown Fire, Milledgeville Fire and Advance Ambulance to the scene. Morrison Fire and Amboy Fire covered the two fire departments during the event also.
First arriving fire units made a quick outside hit on the fire and then transitioned into the upstairs for final extinguishment. Approximately 250 gallons of water was used for the extinguishment and overhaul, however there was smoke damage as well.
The fire and smoke displaced two families. There were three people treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, however they were not transported.
There were two cats that had to be resuscitated, that are now in the care of Whiteside Animal Control.
