A firefighter was hurt Saturday when a blaze caused part of a building to collapse while he was inside.
Crews responded to a fire that broke out around 5:40 p.m. in the bed of a 2013 Toyota Tacoma that was parked in a driveway on the 100 block of San Carlos Street in Berkeley Township, N.J, according to reports.
But strong winds caused the flames to move from the vehicle to a vacant home next door.
The Manitou Fire Company, which is staffed by volunteers, were battling the blaze when two firemen went inside the burning home, according to officials.
While the men were inside, part of the building structure collapsed causing one of the men to suffer a severe back and leg injury, according to authorities.
He had to be pulled from the home by his fellow crew member, before being rushed to the Jersey Shore Medical Center, officials say.
Authorities say the fireman is experiencing partial paralysis and remains in serious, yet stable condition.
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The Ocean County Sheriff's Office tweeted their support to the injured man, saying:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the injured fire fighter in Holiday City Berkeley Twp...stay strong our fellow brother! — Ocean County Sheriff (@OceanCounty911) March 15, 2014
The other firefighter also endured a minor back injury and was transported to the Community Hospital in Toms River, N.J.
Crews got the blaze under control around 6:30 p.m. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
