As choking smoke engulfed a Southeast apartment complex, firefighters from Truck-7 systematically plucked several residents off the top floor and carried them to safety this morning.

The fire was reported shortly after 7 am at 2765 Naylor Rd., SE. It started in a second floor storage room in the three-story brick building, District Fire Investigators said.

"Many of the residents appeared ready to jump from the back of the building," said Battalion Fire Chief James Short, the incident commander. "Firefighters from Truck-7 were able to position themselves to rescue five people from the second and third floors."

Three other residents were rescued by firefighters on Engine 25 and taken out the front door.

Two men, ages 19 and 59, were treated on the scene for minor smoke inhalation and released. No major injuries were reported. Damage estimates have been set at about $1,000, and investigators are calling the fire suspicious in nature. No arrests have been made.

Credited with the rescues are first responders from Truck-7, including Lt. M.C. Waby, F/F Michael Jackson, F/F D.W. Schaake, and F/F J.M. Brunner and Engine 25, including, Lt. Dennis Gobantes, and F/Fs Darren Puifory and James Peagues.