Whiteside County sheriff: Body found at Sterling fire scene

STERLING — Firefighters have discovered a body at the scene of a fire that broke out Sunday afternoon in rural Sterling, Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker has confirmed.

Booker announced shortly before 4 p.m. Monday that a body had been discovered about an hour earlier at 5500 Mill Street, in rural Sterling, an area commonly known as Emerson.

Sterling and Rock Falls firefighters and CGH EMS were called to the two-story home about 3:15 p.m. Sunday for a reported structure fire with flames and smoke visible.

Sixteen fire departments fought the blaze in freezing temperatures into Sunday night. Booker announced via a news release Monday afternoon that a recovery mission was underway at the scene.

Booker said no more information would be released Monday.

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

This is a developing story.