BAY CITY, MI -- Firefighters are battling a blaze at multiple houses on the east side of Bay City.

Bay County Central Dispatch advised at 11:34 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, police were rerouting traffic around the intersection of North Madison Avenue and Seventh Street due to a structure fire.

Within minutes, the two-story house at 521 N. Madison Ave. had collapsed as firefighters doused the charred ruins with water. The two-story house next door at 517 N. Madison Ave. also had flames emerging from its first level.

At least two vehicles also were on fire and witnesses reported hearing an explosion.

Firefighters were continuing to combat the fire as of 12:15 p.m. It is unknown at this time if any injuries were suffered. This is a developing story.