File photo

Firefighters dodged big flames and thick smoke at an old apartment house on the near north side Friday morning.

The fire started shortly after 6 a.m. at 22nd and College Avenue in a vacant building.

Dispatchers called additional firefighters to help put out the fire.

The fire burned holes in a second-story floor and destroyed a staircase rail.

At least one person received medical attention.

It is too early in the investigation to discuss the cause of the fire.