Rural Sterling home destroyed by fire Sunday

STERLING – Local and state fire officials are continuing their investigation into a house fire that broke out Sunday afternoon in Emerson.

Sterling and Rock Falls firefighters and CGH EMS were called to 5500 Mill Street about 3:15 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, for a reported structure fire with flames and smoke visible.

Mutual aid from surrounding departments was requested while units were en route. A second alarm was requested later, bringing a total of 16 departments to the scene.

Sterling firefighters arrived on scene within 10 minutes and found heavy smoke and fire conditions throughout the first floor of the structure.

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Firefighters pour water onto a fire Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, at 5500 Mill Street in Emerson. (Alex T. Paschal)

According to a news release, fire crews made multiple attempts to search the interior of the structure, but were forced to evacuate due to heavy fire conditions and a partial collapse of the ceiling on the first floor. Crews then worked to extinguish the fire from the outside of the building.

The fire is being investigated by the Sterling Fire Department, Office of the State Fire Marshal and Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office.

This is a developing story.