Three firefighters were injured while battling a house fire this morning in southwest suburban Oak Lawn.
All have been released from Advocate Christ Hospital late this morning after being treated for the minor injuries, according to Village Manager Larry Deetjen.
One suffered smoke inhalation, another's face was burned, while the third injured his back or leg, according to Deetjen. They are all men.
One occupant was able to escape and was out of the house by the time police arrived, according to Kaufmann.
Deetjen said the building was "well engulfed" when firefighters got there and searched the building. When they found no one inside, they extinguished the fire but the men were injured in the process.
The home was rendered unlivable and sustained "extensive"damages. The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army will be assisting, he said.
Deetjen said the cause of the blaze is under investigation.
Police and fire department investigators remain on the scene and 99th Street is closed down in both directions from Cicero to 51st avenues, said Kaufmann.
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McClatchy-Tribune News Service