STERLING, Ill. — Multiple agencies battled a large blaze at the Cimco Recycling Center in Sterling on Saturday morning.
Shortly after 8 a.m., the Sterling Fire Department learned of an outside fire at the recycling center, located at 13509 Galt Rd. Officials said they received additional information that the large blaze was threatening nearby structures. The Rock Falls Fire Department and CGH EMS were added to the initial response as part of an automatic aid agreement between the departments.
Crews saw large amounts of smoke in the air while en route to the scene, prompting calls for additional aid. Officials said a large "fluff" pile was on fire, which are remnants left over after crushing and shredding recycled materials.
Sterling Fire Deputy Chief David Northcutt said in a press release that it took around 30 minutes to bring the blaze down enough to where it wasn't threatening surrounding structures. However, it took around four hours to extinguish the fire completely. Cimco employees used cranes and heavy equipment to assist.
A total of 15 different departments from across the area, including Clinton, Iowa, assisted with the incident. No injuries were reported.
News 8 has reached out to Sterling Fire to see if a cause has been determined and is waiting for a response.
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