At approximately 04:30 the box alarm went out for 7024 Rising Sun ave for the apartment fire. Fire was being reported on the 2nd floor of a large apt bldg. 1st arriving engine arrived on scene reporting heavy fire through the 3rd floor, placing all hands in service with ladders to prepare for rescues and to stand by for the 2nd alarm. B/C-12 arrived o/s reporting a 3 story 50 x 150 apt bldg with heavy fire throughout the 3rd floor. He requested the 2nd alarm on his arrival. Companies were immediately engaged in heavy firefighting and performing numerous rescues. Occupants of the bldg were hanging out windows with some jumping from the 3rd floor to escape the fire. B/C-12 requested the 3rd alarm and shortly after sounded the emergency evacuation tones. All fire fighting operations went to an exterior attack with 5 ladder pipes and numerous deck guns being placed in svc. Car-3 sounded the 4th & 5th alarms. Some companies were placed on ember control and exposure protection to prevent extension to the exposure bldgs. The fire spread quickly to engulf the entire bldg in flames. 19 people were taken to local hospitals for injuries ranging froom serious burns to injuries from jumping from the blgd. 3 are listed in critical condition. It took more than and hour and a half to bring the fire under control