3 firefighters injured battling Harvey auto shop fire

HARVEY, Ill. (WLS) -- Three firefighters were injured while battling an auto shop fire near 149th Street and Loomis Avenue in Harvey.

The fire was reported around 9:15 p.m. Tuesday. Workers told police they tried to put out a small, accidental fire but were unable to contain it.

Authorities said the fire spread quickly and flames consumed the building, causing extensive damage. The roof collapsed before firefighters could get the fire under control and several cars burned inside the business. The flames did not spread to any neighboring structures.

PHOTOS: FIREFIGHTERS INJURED FIGHTING HARVEY BLAZE

About 60 firefighters from five different townships responded to the scene. Three firefighters were overcome by smoke as they worked to put out the fire, authorities said. They were taken to Ingalls Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Two firefighters remain in the hospital Wednesday morning. Authorities said they are expected to be OK. The third firefighter was treated and released before 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.

"We're going to carefully examine the scene to make sure everything is above board here," Harvey spokesperson Sean Howard said.