A New York City firefighter has been hospitalized for injuries he suffered battling a blaze in the Bronx Monday morning. 

The fire broke out at around 8:18 a.m. at East 171st Street and Clay Avenue. It quickly grew to three alarms as it spread from the top floor into the cockloft, which is the space between the top floor ceiling and the roof. 

The firefighter was injured in a fall after the fire was out, FDNY officials said. A mayday was called. He was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital for treatment in serious but stable condition. The FDNY said the firefighter was alert and conscious. 

"He was outside. He was taking up equipment, and he fell. He does some face damage, stitches," FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief Chris Ritchie. "This could've been a lot worse." 

Three others were hurt as well, including another firefighter and two civilians. 

Video from the scene showed several large holes in the roof of the building after the fire was extinguished. 

The fire spread through four apartments, FDNY officials said. 

"Units did a fantastic job containing it to just that wing. It did not cross over to the other wing," Ritchie said. 

The fire was placed under control at 10:12 a.m.