SWISSVALE, Pa. (Saturday, Sept. 13) — Two people were rescued from a burning apartment Saturday afternoon after a candle sparked a blaze that damaged multiple units in a 12-unit building on Smokeywood Drive, officials said.

Firefighters arrived shortly after 12:30 p.m. to find heavy fire in one unit and residents hanging from second-floor windows. Crews used ladders to rescue two adults, who were transported to Mercy Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.

Investigators determined the fire was accidental. Officials said a scented candle placed on the arm of a couch tipped over and ignited the cushions. The blaze destroyed one unit and damaged five others.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments respond to nearly 6,000 home structure fires started by candles each year, causing dozens of deaths, hundreds of injuries and millions in property damage.

Swissvale Fire was assisted by Edgewood, North Braddock, Forest Hills, West Homestead, Monroeville, West Mifflin, Homestead and Pittsburgh fire companies. Additional departments covered other calls in the borough during the three-alarm response.