FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – Two people were hospitalized following a structure fire that happened at an apartment building in downtown Fort Wayne early Sunday.

Fort Wayne Fire Department responded to reports of a fire at the three-story apartment building early Sunday that 19 apartments occupy. The fire started in a basement apartment causing heavy smoke to rise in the building. This required multiple ladder rescues from windows using ground ladders. 12 individuals self evacuated and 7 individuals were rescued.

The fire happened at the Fulton Apartments on Fulton Street between Washington Blvd. and Wayne St. There were at least 6 fire trucks and 3 ambulances at the scene when WANE 15 arrived.

Two individuals were transported to local hospitals and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The other rescued residents either did not need treatment or refused care. Residents at the scene say the Fulton Apartments have caught fire before, but that this is the worst they’ve seen.

The fire was under control by 6:09 a.m. and crews then focused on the removal of smoke from the building.

The fire is still under investigation at this time.