Fire officials in New York City say a fire burned through a Brooklyn neighborhood overnight, and at least three firefighters were injured battling the blaze.

The fire began around 9 p.m. Tuesday in Crown Heights and spread to two neighboring residential buildings within an hour. Assistant Fire Chief Roger Sakowich says occupants of all of the buildings self-evacuated before firefighters arrived, and there were no civilian injuries.

Sakowich says three firefighters were hurt climbing a staircase that gave way inside one of the buildings, but the injuries were not serious.

Officials say four other first responders were injured. Their injuries were also not considered serious.

Firefighters say the flames were largely under control by 11 p.m.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

(AP)