A firefighter was taken to the hospital after battling a two-alarm house fire at 3301 State Route 121 early Sunday morning.

Jerry Holsapple, a chief's aide with the New Madison Volunteer Fire Department, said that the firefighter was overcome by heat. He was taken to Wayne Hospital in Greenville.

Holsapple said the fire was reported at 2:09 a.m., and first units arrived on the scene around 2:18 a.m.

He said the fire appeared to start on the west side of the house, and then extended to the second floor.

A man and four teen-age children were in the house when the fire broke out. Holsapple said they got out safely and will be assisted by the American Red Cross with temporary shelter.

Ten fire departments and 50 firefighters were needed to battle the fire. Holsapple said that there was a dry hydrant by the house, so tankers were needed to bring water in.

He added that in this extreme heat, it is important to have extra firefighters on hand so that others can take breaks and rehydrate.

No cause or damage estimate was available. The fire remains under investigation.