Firefighter, Residents Hurt in Texas Townhome Blaze

HOUSTON (AP) -- A townhome blaze early Monday injured a firefighter and at least two residents, authorities say.

Neighbors told law officers they heard a loud explosion about 4:30 a.m. at the two-story home in southeast Houston. Emergency crews discovered the fire when they responded to the report.

A resident was seriously burned, said firefighters. They said one or two other residents were taken to hospitals for treatment of smoke inhalation.

The injured firefighter suffered less serious burns, according to the Houston Chronicle's online edition.

The home was gutted by the fire. Its cause is under investigation.