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Stock image via Wikimedia Commons.

An apparently very thirsty South Dakota man is facing criminal charges after ignoring orders from firefighters and twice running into a burning building to "save" his beer, reports indicate.

According to authorities, Michael Casteel, 56, ignored a police officer who tried to stop him on Sunday from entering the burning building in Sioux Falls. Undeterred, officials say Casteel ran into the building a second time despite protests from firefighters battling the blaze.

On his second exit, TV station KELO reported, Casteel carried a pair of Bud Ice beers with him.

Authorities determined Casteel had a blood alcohol content of .082 percent. He was charged with obstruction and violating a 24/7 sobriety program.

The fire was extinguished within 10 minutes, firefighters said, and two people were treated for smoke inhalation. One person was taken to a hospital for treatment after suffering smoke inhalation and burns, officials added.

No firefighters were injured. Casteel was also apparently unscathed.

The cause of the fire is now under investigation. Initial reports did not say whether Casteel lived at the building or if he was just visiting.