MANCHESTER, N.H. (WHDH) -- An off-duty firefighter jumped into action when he spotted flames bursting from several buildings in Manchester, New Hampshire Monday night.

The firefighter was driving home with his son when he spotted the 3-alarm blaze on Central Street.

The fast-moving fire quickly took over two buildings, but the off-duty firefighter didn't hesitate to run into the flames.

Lieutenant John Couture, wearing a T-shirt, ran into one of the buildings and helped get everyone out safely. But the off-duty firefighter didn't have any protection from the smoke and flames. He was taken to the hospital where he was checked out. He is expected to be fine.

The fire destroyed two buildings and damaged other structures nearby. Firefighters were credited for stopping the flames before they took over the neighborhood.

Fire officials say the cause of the fire is suspicious but do not believe it was arson.