The Alpena City Fire Department responded to a fire Wednesday at 210 W. Lake St. at 10:52 a.m.
Officials said there was visible smoke coming from the residence.
The 911 request was made by a person walking by, officials said.
Crews reported that it was a two-story residential structure with smoke coming from a second-story apartment.
One crew was sent the rear of the building to gain access to the second-story apartment and begin victim search and fire attack operations, while a second crew gained access to the first-floor apartment to vacate tenants.
There were two brothers residing in the first-floor apartment who were asleep when firefighters entered the apartment, officials said. The men were safely evacuated as well as two cats.
The second-story apartment was vacant and unoccupied, officials said.