FDNY Investigates Bed-Stuy Brownstone Fire

Flames broke out just before 4:30 this morning in the stairwell of a four-story apartment building located at 175 Putnam Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

All nine of the buildings residents were trapped inside.

Three residents were taken to the hospital suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. Six others suffered minor injuries.

(...) Investigators have labeled the blaze suspicious because of the heavy amount of fire.

Residents say they saw three people running from the scene of the fire, but investigators are not commenting on those accusations.

Neighbors also tell NY1 one of the people who lived in the building was shot last week. They believe the fire and shooting are connected.