Battalion Chief Patrick Ferguson says the blaze occurred early this morning at 1298 East Gates Street. He says a 25 year member of the fire department whose name was not released suffered broken bones to his ribs and back when he fell through the first floor.

“There was multiple set fires inside the structure. We do have some people, some neighbors that witnessed some individuals leaving the home and they were able to give us a description. We’re still trying to locate those individuals so we can question them and try to put the pieces of the puzzle together.”

Ferguson says the injured firefighter is expected to leave the hospital today.

The fire he says caused about $70,000 in damages.

Investigators in Columbus believe a space heater near a mattress caused the fire that killed a 4-year-old boy, his mother and a man who was staying with them in a home reported to be vacant. Monday night’s vigil came a day before the funerals for the mother and son. The boy also would have turned 5 on Tuesday.

Family members say the fire victims were good people who are missed.

The property was charged last week with a housing code violation for a different occupied home that lacked heat.