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Officials: Brooklyn Fire 'Suspicious'

NEW YORK (CBS 2) -- A fire that tore through a brownstone in Brooklyn, forcing a dramatic rescue, and was under investigation, has been labeled suspicious.

The fire was first reported on Putnam Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant at around 4:30 a.m. Monday. It started on the top floor of the building.

One resident escaped by shimmying down a rope.

Firefighter Peter Demontreux carried another victim out even as the building was being consumed by flames. "At that point, I had the 2nd occupant in my arm, and I just wanted to get out of there as fast as possible, and we just pretty much, ran across the room to get out, because it was, you know, intense heat," he said.

Officials said six people were treated at the scene for minor injuries, but three people were taken to the hospital, for severe burns and smoke inhalation. Four firefighters were also injured.

Police confirm there was a shooting outside the building on Aug. 25, however, they can't say if it is connected to the fire.

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