Firefighter rushed to hospital after heat from blaze forces crew outside

A firefighter was seriouslyinjuredin a house fire on Tuesday that forced a fire crew that was searching the building to retreat outside.

Toronto Fire Servicesaid they received a call about afire thatbroke out ina two-storeyhome onDufferin Street nearAlma Avenue, north ofQueen Street West, shortly after 9 a.m.

The fire is now under control.

Kim McKinnon, spokesperson for Toronto Paramedic Services, said the firefighterwas rushed tohospital in critical condition with injuries that are not considered life-threatening. His current condition is not known.

Captain declared a mayday

Matthew Pegg, interim fire chief for Toronto Fire Services, said two residents of the buildingwere treated for smoke inhalation and taken to hospital.

Pegg said the first fire crew on the scene went inside the house to search and encountered very high heat. One firefighter was overcome by the heat, the captain of the crew declared a "mayday" and the crew went outside.

The firefighter who was overcome was removed from the building and regained consciousness once he wasoutside, Peggsaid.

"My understanding is that the crew encountered a very high level of heat during their search and rescue.Interior search and rescue is a very, very dangerous operation. It's not uncommon for our firefighters to withstand very significant amounts of heatin the course of their duties," he said.

"In this case, there was a very experienced crew and a very experienced captain who recognized that the heat was too high. He made the decision to leave the building and move to the outside."

Pegg said the "mayday" call was an excellent one. He said other firefighters are now searching for other people who may still be inside.

He told CBC News he didn't know yet where the fire started.

Ontario's Fire Marshal Office has been notified and will help with the investigation into the cause of the fire.

Earlier, Toronto police said occupants of the house climbed onto the ledgeand were throwing pets out of a window.

Part of Dufferin Street, fromDundas Street West toQueen Street West, is blocked off to traffic.