L.A. firefighter injured when roof collapses on him

A firefighter was injured in an early morning blaze Wednesday when the roof of a house partially collapsed on him.

Los Angeles firefighters responded to a call around 5:15 a.m. on the 1500 block of West 37th Street in Exposition Park, city fire officials said.

Firefighters conducted an immediate search of the one-story home, which they found was vacant.

It took took 47 firefighters more than half an hour to knock down the blaze.

After the fire was extinguished, a firefighter inspecting the damage was injured when part of the roof in the front part of the home collapsed on him.

He was able to get out safely, and was treated immediately by paramedics outside and taken to a local hospital.

“We’re just relieved that the firefighter who was struck was able to self-extricate, and our thoughts remain with him and his family,” said Erik Scott, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department.

No other information was provided about the firefighter’s injuries, but Scott said he did not appear to suffer any burns. He was described as being in “good condition” and is expected to be released from the hospital later Wednesday afternoon.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

Twitter: @cmaiduc

christine.maiduc@latimes.com