First responders are pictured Wednesday afternoon on Webster Road in the town of Portland. Photo by Dan Kohler

A few first responders sought treatment after reportedly becoming “overcome with fumes” while at the scene of a house fire Wednesday in the town of Portland.

Firefighters from several departments were at 6842 Webster Road when a few became ill. Much of the fire, first reported around 2:50 p.m., had been knocked down when the fumes were noted.

It wasn’t clear by press time what caused the fumes, Sheriff James Quattrone said. Members of the county’s HAZMAT team later responded to Webster Road.

Portland firefighters were alerted shortly before 3 p.m. of smoke filling a residence. The first official on scene noted heavy, black smoke coming from the home, and shortly after reported the property engulfed in flames.

By 4 p.m., the bulk of the fire had been knocked down and the local chapter of the American Red Cross had been called.

Firefighters from Portland, Fredonia, Westfield, Brocton and Stockton responded, as did Chautauqua County EMS. County fire investigators were later requested.

Around 4:30 p.m. several ambulances were called to the scene to help the stricken firefighters; some were transported to nearby Westfield Memorial Hospital.

The cause of the fire was not known by late Wednesday.