2 firefighters injured battling blaze on Park Avenue in Utica

Two firefighters were injured Friday evening battling a major fire on Park Avenue, the Utica Fire Department said Monday in a statement.

Firefighters were called to 1019 Park Ave. at 6:17 p.m. and found smoke coming from the first and second floors of a multi-family apartment, the department said.

Upon arriving, emergency services were told that up to three people could be trapped on the second floor, officials said.

A second alarm was sounded, which brought all on-duty firefighters to the scene, officials said.

It was during this time an occupant of the second floor was found outside of the structure, suffering from serious burn injuries, officials said.

The male occupant was treated and transported by Utica Fire Department ambulance to St. Elizabeth Hospital. The patient was treated and stabilized by emergency room staff and then transferred to Upstate Medical Center Burn Unit for further treatment.

Officials said the patient suffered serious burn injury to approximately 30% of his body.

The fire extended from the first floor to the second floor and roof area, making it extremely difficult to extinguish, officials said.

All occupants were accounted for and found safe outside of the structure.

Two firefighters suffered injuries while battling this fire. Both firefighters were treated and released by St. Elizabeth Hospital.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, although officials said it appears accidental in nature.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Utica Fire Department: Two firefighters injured July 21 on Park Avenue