Man smoking with oxygen tank suspected of causing Brackenridge...

BRACKENRIDGE, Pa. — Three people were taken to an area hospital after a fire at an apartment in Brackenridge.

Channel 11's Brandon Hudson reported that several people had to be rescued from the burning building on First Avenue early Friday morning.

“I hear people banging, the fire alarm goes off,and I’m thinking I’m dreaming. I’m thinking, ‘What?’ My heart started pounding heavy,” said resident Laruth Sheild Stewart.

Officials have not said what may have caused the fire at the Brackenridge Hall Apartments, however a resident said the flames started in an apartment of a man who smokes and uses oxygen.

“I busted the door down and as soon as the door come open, smoke came out. I couldn’t see him and he was screaming, ‘help me, help me!’ I didn’t go in. All I could do was run and get somebody,” said Stevie Coles.

The man was taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital to be treated for burns.

“It looks like he tried to get out. He was leaning against the front door,” said Jones-Pioneer Fire Hose Company chief. “They had to force the door open and they pulled him out and brought him down to the first floor.”

Many neighbors said this is not the first time a fire has happened in the building because of the man smoking with his oxygen on.

“What is it going to take? One of us to die before they do something about people smoking with oxygen tanks,” Laruth said.

Channel 11 News took the concerns to the Allegheny County Housing Authority. Officials said the man’s case can go before a review committee. If the committee decides the man is a danger to other residents, he could be evicted. Channel 11 also learned the building is scheduled to go smoke free by October 2015.

Two other residents are being treated for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.