An early morning fire yesterday in a three-story apartment building in the Hill District left at least four people homeless and sent three firefighters to local hospitals.

The fire at 610 Somers St. began just before 1 a.m., according to the Pittsburgh Fire Bureau, and took more than two hours to control.

Two firefighters were treated and released with minor injuries; a third remained at Allegheny General Hospital after suffering chest pains.

Tami Aubele, a spokeswoman for the American Red Cross of Allegheny County, said three of the building's four apartments were occupied at the time of the fire. The Red Cross provided temporary shelter, food and clothing for a family of three, including a 4-year-old child, and for a single adult from a second apartment.

Aubele did not know how many occupants lived in the third apartment.

Fire investigators believe the fire began in a rear room of the basement. The cause was under investigation. Total damage to the building and its contents was estimated at $60,000.