The Rochester Fire Department says two people are in critical condition after firefighters pulled them from a burning home Sunday morning.

The department's Arson Task Force is now investigating.

The fire started just after 7 a.m.

Firefighters say when they went in to put out the fire, they found the two victims inside.

The fire was quickly contained to one apartment in the multi-family home.

Firefighters say the two people were unconscious, but breathing.

The deputy fire chief says both were rescued and taken to the hospital with what appears to be severe smoke inhalation.

"I walked to the corner and back and realized it was the house at the corner, at that point they were bringing out a body. I guess they had already brought out a woman, he didn't seem too well, he didn't seem well at all. I guess they brought out a few animals, the neighbor couldn't find his cat and it was pretty bad,” said Jessica Ferguson, of Rochester.

One of the victims was able to be taken out the front door, via the stairwell, but the deputy chief says they had to get creative with the second — getting him out through a window and a ladder.

"It really all depends. Obviously you prefer to go out the easiest way, but when time is not on your hands, you use ladders or whatever means you have. The quickest way to get this victim out was the ladder,” said Dep. Chief David Kaltenbach.

Officials say the fire was found in the kitchen of the upstairs apartment.

The names of the victims have not yet been released.