Two people were hospitalized Sunday after they tried to remove their flat-screen TV from their burning St. Paul apartment, officials said.
Firefighters were called to the six-unit apartment building at 624 N. Chatsworth St., near North Lexington Parkway and Interstate 94, shortly before 3 p.m., according to St. Paul Fire Marshal Steve Zaccard.
He said when firefighters entered a basement unit, a man and a woman were disconnecting the TV in an attempt to save it.
The room already had filled up with thick smoke, he said.
Firefighters had to tell them to leave the TV behind and get to safety, Zaccard said.
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The couple were transported to Regions Hospital and treated for smoke inhalation, he said.
"They were doing the wrong thing," Zaccard said. "If you can't fight the fire, get out and call the fire department. Don't grab your belongings. ... They can be replaced. Your life can't be."
The fire was put out quickly by firefighters, he said, and damage to the unit was confined to a portion of the room.
Zaccard said he is not sure if the television was damaged.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
