Firefighter burns hands battling blaze that displaced 7

SANFORD, Fla. — A firefighter is recovering from burns he received while battling a Sanford house fire that left seven people displaced.

Everyone got out in time, but the house on Elm Avenue suffered major damage.

The firefighter, whose name has not been released, was transported to Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford with burns on both hands from the fire.

The people who were renting the home told WFTV they heard a loud explosion in the back of the house right before the fire.

"My sister and her roommate Erica came in and were like 'The house is on fire! The house is on fire!' and I was like 'What the heck is going on?' and then I saw the smoke and I was like 'Oh crap!'" said displaced resident Clifton Mabb.

WFTV was told seven people were in the house at the time, three of whom are children, but all of them escaped without injuries.

"I know the insides gone for good," said Mabb.

"And your stuff?" asked WFTV.

"Ruined," said Mabb.

Fire crews don't know what started the blaze. The state fire marshal's office is investigating.

The Red Cross is helping the tenants find a place to stay.

WFTV