A fire broke out early Thursday morning at the Vine Street Tower Apartments in Johnstown.

Johnstown fire chief Bob Statler says they arrived on scene around 3 a.m.

According to Statler, there were smoke and flames pouring into a hallway from a unit on the ninth floor.

Statler says the fire started in the bedroom of that unit and that the sprinkler system was activated, which he says helped keep the fire contained.

Statler tells 6 News the ninth, 10th and 11th floors were evacuated. Two people were taken to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center for difficulty breathing.

Statler says the fire was put out quickly, but there is extensive water damage to the building.

The cause is unknown. The fire marshal will be investigating.