A firefighter in Freeport was trapped inside the basement of a burning building and had to free himself by cutting through a wall with an axe.

It happened inside an apartment building on North Columbus Avenue.

According to Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy, the firefighter was trapped by fallen debris.

After the firefighter escaped, he received supplemental oxygen but declined to be taken to the hospital.

A total of nine families consisting of approximately 36 people were displaced.

All of the residents made it out safely, and no other injuries to first responders were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.