DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN, NY — A fire tore through the holding cell area of the high-rise Kings County Criminal Court building at 120 Schermerhorn St. late Wednesday afternoon, injuring 9 court officers and three firefighters, according to city fire officials.

Seven of the injured guards and two of the firefighters were evaluated by paramedics at the scene for "minor" injuries, an FDNY spokeswoman said, and two guards and one firefighter for "moderate" injuries.

Most if not all of the victims had been transported to Long Island College Hospital for treatment by 5:45 p.m., she said.