One Hospitalized After High Rise Fire at Olesen Plaza in Rockford

The Rockford Fire Department is investigating a weekend fire that caused dozens to evacuate their high-rise apartment complex.

According to the RFD report, crews were dispatched to a reported blaze at 511 N. Church Street at Olesen Plaza at 7:37 p.m. Sunday night (4/27).

Firefighters Encounter Flames on 14th Floor

Arriving on the scene only 2 minutes after being dispatched, Rockford Fire personnel observed the building's fire alarms sounding, and residents reporting a fire on the 14th floor as they gathered in the lobby..

As firefighters made their way up the stairs, they encountered smoke and active flames that were contained in a single 14th-floor apartment, according to the report.

An automatic sprinkler system had already been activated before firefighters arrived on the scene, helping to limit the spread of the fire.

Fire Contained Quickly, One Victim Hospitalized

Rockford Fire quickly extinguished the remaining fire inside the apartment unit, and fortunately, no occupants were found inside the fire-damaged apartment.

However, during their search operations, a victim was located on the 13th floor and transported to UW Swedish American Hospital in stable condition, according to the report. No other injuries were reported in this incident.

Sprinkler System Helped Contain Fire

A total of 36 firefighters responded to the scene of the fire, and according to early estimates, the damage is around $100,000.

Officials credited the sprinkler system for containing the blaze, along with fast response times for preventing a much bigger tragedy.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.