COLUMBIA, S.C. — Two firefighters are being treated at an area hospital after a massive overnight fire in Richland County.
Columbia-Richland Fire said crews responded to a fire at West Beltline Boulevard and Brookland Circle around 11:40 p.m. Firefighters found heavy fire already spreading through the interior and roof of the building, prompting them to elevate the incident to a two-alarm call, which brought in even more firefighters.
Minutes later, fire officials said a collapse occurred on part of the building, injuring two firefighters.
"Both firefighters were quickly rescued and taken from the scene by Richland County EMS," the department said in a statement. "They are currently being treated for their injuries at an area hospital."
Authorities didn't release the extent of their injuries.
Officials said crews remained at the scene for several hours and brought the fire under control with no injuries to any members of the general public. However, a neighboring home was evacuated due to the fire, and four people were displaced.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Richland County Fire Marshal's Office.