A Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service battalion chief was taken to the hospital Sunday after he was bitten by a dog at a house fire.

Firefighters were battling a blaze at 19 Fifth Ave. South, according to Battalion Chief Jackie Hicks.

Just before 8:30 a.m., Hicks said, another battalion chief was doing an observation of the structure when a dog that had been chained up under the house emerged and bit him on the leg.

He was taken to the hospital where he is being treated for the dog bite and undergoing standard testing for rabies.

The initial report was that there were multiple pit bull dogs at the scene. Animal control was called.