UPDATE: A person of interest was in custody as of Thursday morning, Chicago police said. Our latest story can be found here. Our original story continues below.
A firefighter is in critical condition early Wednesday morning after battling blaze at a garage in Chicago's Austin's neighborhood sent flames and smoke into the air.
Stream NBC 5 for free, 24/7, wherever you are.
WATCH HEREThe fire began about 4:15 a.m. at a garage 5505 W. Crystal St., the Chicago Fire Department said. Around 5:40 a.m., a mayday called was issued after a Chicago firefighter was injured when the garage collapsed, possibly by a beam.
The firefighter was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Photos and video from the scene Wednesday morning showed a heavy firefighter presence around the block, with black smoke still billowing from the garage.
Officials were on scene Wednesday investigating the cause of the fire, with CFD saying authorities received information of several recent trash can fires in the area.
CFD is expecting to provide more details at an upcoming press conference Wednesday morning.
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the news you need to know with the Chicago Catch-Up newsletter.
SIGN UP 