A Youngstown firefighter had to be rescued after falling through the staircase after the basement landing gave way during a house fire at 52 North Evanston Avenue.

Battalion Chief John Lightly said around 1 p.m., a vacant house on the city's West Side was on fire and was starting to spread to the neighboring homes, but the firefighters were able to save them.

The fireman was able to catch himself with his arms from falling through into the basement and transmit his need for assistance.

The firefighter was extracted from the house with only minor injuries.