Two Warren firefighters slightly injured fighting blaze

WARREN — Two firefighters were injured while fighting a vacant house fire early today. Neither injury was serious.

Lt. Bill Monrean fell through the first floor but caught himself before he went completely through. He suffered a leg and back injury and was treated at St. Joseph Health Center.

Firefighter Brian Gilger also suffered a strained lower back while fighting the fire at 601 Washington Street near Elm Road.

Fire Chief Ken Nussle said he didn’t know how Gilger was injured.

The fire was reported at 4:20 a.m. in the three-story house, which was boarded up. The house was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived and was a total loss. It is being investigated as having a suspicious origin.