Five people were hospitalized, including two firefighters, after a fire tore through a Glendale apartment building Thursday afternoon, the Glendale Fire Department said.

The fire started before 2:50 p.m. at 140 Carr Drive, where thick plumes of smoke were seen billowing over the two-story building as firefighters worked on the roof, aerial video from Sky5 showed.

Glendale Fire Chief Silvio Lanzas described the fire as being "very challenging" as firefighters worked to rescue six people, including a child, from the more than 100-year-old building that didn't fit safety standards.

Two firefighters were on the first level of the building when they fell through the floor and into the basement. They were rescued by other firefighters, quickly evacuated and taken to area hospitals, according to Lanzas, who said both firefighters are expected to be all right.

Three of those rescued from the building were taken to a hospital due to minor smoke inhalation issues, while another three were treated at the scene, the chief said.

With limited fire stops and only one way out of the building, crews were met with major challenges.

"They were heroes today and they were ready for what they faced," Lanzas said.

The fire department takes note of where all the older buildings in the area are and trains its firefighters to work in the challenging conditions, according to Lanzas.

Because the building was badly damaged in the blaze, firefighters were having trouble getting into the area where they believe fire started, the chief said.

Fire officials said they received unconfirmed reports that an explosion was heard before crews arrived at the scene.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation and no further details were immediately available.

https://ktla.com/2020/01/16/firefighters-responding-to-fire-at-glendale-apartment-building/