boston apartment fire_00001402
Apartment complex bursts into flames
00:45 - Source: WHDH

Story highlights

NEW: The fire was likely the result of a failed suicide attempt

Firefighters responded to the blaze just before 1 a.m.

Ten people were treated for smoke inhalation

Two firefighters and a police officer were also injured

CNN  — 

A 28-year old man, who was likely trying to kill himself, set fire to a Boston apartment building Monday, injuring 13 people, authorities said.

The suspect is being treated for second-degree burns to his arms, hands and face, and is expected to face a host of charges related to arson and attempted murder.

He did not live at the location, but may have been in a relative’s apartment, Boston police said in a statement.

The Boston Fire Department responded to the blaze about 12:47 a.m. ET in the large apartment complex, a three-story building that covers nearly an entire city block, said department spokesman Steve MacDonald.

Twenty-five apartments were affected, MacDonald said, but he did not know how many people lived in those units.

Ten civilians were treated for smoke inhalation, MacDonald said. Two firefighters and a police officer were also injured, but those injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

CNN’s Rob Frehse contributed to this report.