One firefighter suffered burns and four others sustained minor injuries Friday while battling an early-morning blaze in Southeast Baltimore, fire officials said.

They were taken to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, where one firefighter was being treated for first-degree burns to the face and a possible broken arm.

The fire began about 6 a.m. in the first block of N. East Ave. The two-story brick rowhouse was unoccupied at the time, according to a Fire Department spokesman, but neighbors say a family lives there.

Chief Kevin Cartwright, a Fire Department spokesman, said the fire is believed to have started in the basement, and it spread quickly to the first floor. The fire was contained to that building. Investigators had not determined a cause.

Bernadine Ruffin, who lives two doors down, said she was awakened by her cousin, who said they should evacuate.

"Our house got really smoky," Ruffin said. "When I came outside, I saw a whole bunch of black smoke, then heard a boom. Then we saw the fireman laying on the ground."

Ruffin said she believes the family that lives in the burned house is staying with friends.

The Fire Department has had to close fire stations on a rotating basis to save money, but firefighters arrived within minutes of the call. City and union officials have said the department might have to lay off 125 firefighters and close a dozen companies this summer if budget woes persist.

City Council President Stephanie C. Rawlings-Blake visited the injured firefighter in the hospital. "He was in good spirits," she said.

Rawlings-Blake, who will take over as mayor Feb. 4, said the rotating firehouse closures remain a concern.