YOUNGSTOWN — Two firefighters were treated for injuries suffered fighting an apparent arson in the 3800 block of Mohawk Avenue on the South Side.

Firefighters responded at 1:30 a.m. Thursday and found fire coming from a first-floor window on the side of the home. Firefighters extinguished flames on the first and second floors.

Fighting the fire was made more difficult by the cold temperature at the time, estimated to be about eight below zero.

The fire began in the kitchen area and was started by an “incendiary device,” the report states.

Fire investigator Kurt Wright called the device a Molotov cocktail and asked for the public’s help in identifying the person responsible.

The owner of the home came to the scene and advised firefighters that tenants moved out one month ago, and the home had since been vacant.

One firefighter suffered a cut to a finger and experienced great difficulty breathing, stating his lungs were “burning,” according to a Youngstown Fire Department report.

His mask became filled with water, which became extremely cold, the report states. Breathing that in makes it difficult to breathe, it states. His hands also became extremely cold at one point because of being unable to put on his gloves because of the low temperatures.

He was treated at the scene.

Another firefighter appeared to have a burned ear lobe from exposure to extreme heat, the report states, calling it a minor burn. He also injured his upper back. The right arm reflective tape on his gear was burned and charred.

He was taken to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital for treatment.

The fire caused $5,000 damage to the home, which had a value of about $20,000 prior to the fire, according to a Youngstown Fire Department report.

Wright is asking for anyone with information about the fire to call him at 330-782-0055. A $5,000 reward is being offered.