UPDATE: Troy apartment building fire sparked by flaming liquor shots

UPDATE: [Firefighters association warns of 'delayed responses,' 'unsafe staffing']

TROY -- The overnight fire that damaged an apartment building occupied by RPI students was sparked by flaming liquor shots, Troy fire chief Tom Garrett tells CBS 6.

The students had gathered at a first-floor apartment for a birthday celebration, and the shots -- in which highly flammable alcohol is set on fire -- were brought out during the party, Chief Garrett said.

The students tried to extinguish the fire but were unsuccessful, and waited several minutes before calling 911, said Chief Garrett.

The students had consumed a substantial amount of alcohol, Chief Garrett tells CBS 6. One person was passed out in a bed and had to be dragged out by his friends.

The fire had started on the first floor, and residents in the second-floor apartment and in the third-floor attic had to be rescued.

Three Troy police officers -- Brandon Cipperly, William O'Neil and Dave Dean, Jr. -- arrived on the scene at about 2:30 a.m. and were told there were people trapped inside. The officers entered the building and helped bring two students trapped on the third floor to safety.

Officer Cipperly was taken to Samaritan Hospital where he was treated for smoke inhalation.

Damage from the fire was contained to 2210 and 2208 15th Street.

In total, 11 RPI students got out safely. They will be temporarily housed at the school.

Tune in to CBS 6 News beginning at 5 for an updated live report from Craig Smith at Troy Police headquarters.

TROY -- An overnight fire in Rensselaer County forced at least 10 RPI students out of their home.

Flames broke out at about 2:30 a.m. in a 3-floor apartment building on 15th Street.

One student said he was awakened by screams and glass breaking.

Others said they barely had enough time to get out.

Students said the fire appears to have started in the first floor apartment.

Firefighters are still investigating.