House fire near Sterling is being investigated as arson, sheriff confirms

STERLING, Ill. (KWQC) – A fire that destroyed a home and sent two people to the hospital near Sterling earlier this month is being investigated as arson, Whiteside Co. Sheriff John Booker confirmed. to TV6.

The homeowners told TV6 they had to be treated at a burn unit in Rockford for days after the incident.

They also told TV6 that the fire was deliberately set.

Sheriff Booker confirmed to TV6 that the fire is being investigated as arson, but provided no further details or named any suspects.

On Oct. 8 around 10 p.m., several agencies responded to the burning home in the 5400 block of Anne Street in Galt, about four miles west of downtown Sterling.

In an initial news release, the Sterling Fire Department said the first arriving vehicle found heavy fire coming from multiple doors and windows around 10:15 p.m., and that a man and a woman were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

Firefighters remained on scene until about 4:50 a.m. the next morning after judging the fire was under control at around 2:50 a.m.

TV6 contacted the special agent handling the case at the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshals, but he said he could not comment on the ongoing investigation.

This is a developing story and TV6 will provide updates as they become available on-air and online.

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