Massive fire rips through townhouses

A firefighter was injured Thursday as a massive fire ripped through homes in unincorporated Maine Township, according to officials.

The blaze broke out at Margail Avenue and Noel Avenue, between suburban Des Plaines and Park Ridge.

Doorbell camera obtained exclusively by ABC 7 captured a sudden apparent explosion before flames began sweeping through the townhouse.

"We just ran out to really check on our neighbors and just make sure they were OK," said neighbor Nica Simmons.

Officials said the fire started just after 4 p.m. in one unit before spreading to three others. The roof caved in.

The fire was struck out before 7 p.m., with firefighter remaining on scene to monitor for hot spots.

The firefighter suffered burns during firefighting efforts and was taken to hospital for treatment after fire was out, officials said.

At least one townhouse was gutted by the fire as neighbors watched from afar. Four families have been displaced, officials said. Pace provided warming buses until all the displaced residents had secured somewhere to stay.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.