Firefighters battling apartment blaze in east Birmingham; 5 victims, including  firefighter, injured

Firefighters battling apartment blaze in east Birmingham; 5 victims, including firefighter, injured

Five people including one firefighters were injured in a Friday-night blaze at an east Birmingham apartment complex.

The fire erupted about 9:30 p.m. Friday at 1417 Montclair Road. That is the large, two-story complex across the street from Fair Haven Nursing Home.

Fire officials initially received reports of people screaming and jumping out windows.

When they arrived on the scene, they saw fire and smoke are coming from at least two apartments. Several residents were trapped and at least one person was evacuated through a window.

BFRS Battalion Chief Jackie Hiks said he couldn’t confirm anyone jumped out of any windows, but said some residents were outside when they arrived.

First responder radio traffic indicated CPR was being performed on one patient.

Hicks said the firefighter and the four other patients all suffered serious injuries and were transported to the hospital. The four civilians, he said, suffered smoke inhalation.

Hicks said the firefighter was injured while rescuing a victim.

Up to 12 apartments may have sustained smoke damage.

This is a developing story and will be updated.