ROCKFORD, IL — Four women have been charged in connection with the May 20 fire that burned and severely injured a Rockford Fire Department firefighter.
Stephanie Hart, 36, of Rockford, was arrested May 22 in connection with the incident, according to a news release.
Arrest warrants were issued for Cierra Smith, 37, Tearra Smith, 38, and Jewell Shanice McDonald, 34, all of Rockford on charges of arson, residential arson, aggravated arson, aggravated arson resulting in the injury of a firefighter and aggravated animal cruelty.
All three remain at large, the release states.
Rockford Fire Department firefighters responded about 4:40 p.m. May 20 to a fire at 1325 Andrews St. Fire crews found heavy smoke and fire coming from the front of the structure and spreading rapidly. Bystanders told firefighters that adults and multiple children lived at the residence although none were visible when the firefighters arrived.
Crews heard a scream from within the structure and began an interior search. A firefighter suffered second degree burns and fell through a stairway. No one was found inside.
Crews did, however, discover a large deceased dog, which is believed to have made the sound firefighters heard. The injured firefighter was transported to an area hospital and is now home. He is expected to make a full recovery. Two adults, two children and an infant escaped from the rear of the structure before the fire department arrived.
Rockford Police Department officers and the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.
Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Four charged with arson in blaze that injured Rockford firefighter
Reporting by Jeff Kolkey, Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
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