Two firefighters were injured Thursday afternoon inside a burning home.
The fire was reported at about 1 p.m. at 1167 East Whittier St. on the city's Near East side, NBC 4 reported.
Firefighters rescued people who were inside the home. Minutes later, when firefighters re-entered the home to fight the blaze, three oxygen tanks inside exploded, NBC 4 's Barbra Flannigan reported.
The firefighters were thrown back about 10 feet, Flannigan reported.
Two firefighters were transported to Grant Medical Center with minor injuries. They were treated and released.
The cause of the fire was ruled arson and is currently under investigation. Damages were estimated at $25,000.
Whitter Street was closed between Linwood and Studer avenues, NBC 4 reported.
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