TWO units in the city were destroyed within minutes this afternoon by a fire that may have been caused by an explosion, according to witness reports.

Numerous witnesses called triple zero at about 2pm and reported both an explosion and a fire on the second floor of the Bega Court flats, at the intersection of Cooyong and Akuna Streets, next to Glebe Park.

The flames quickly spread to the third floor and rapidly engulfed units four and six in Block 7 of the flats. It is not known yet whether the explosion caused the fire, or vice-versa.

ACT Fire and Rescue were on the scene within minutes and quickly brought the “ferocious” fire under control, according to Commander Jim Schlizio, but not before the two units had been “extensively damaged”.

Commander Schlizio said the whole wing of the flats was evacuated, including four people from adjacent units who were unable to get out of the building until the fire had been extinguished.

Three people were treated on the scene by paramedics, two of whom were later taken to hospital. Both suffered smoke inhalation and one woman had minor burns to her hands.

The fire is being treated as suspicious and will be investigated by police detectives and forensic experts once it has been fully extinguished and ventilation operations have been completed.

 Photos by Brent McDonald

Police would like to speak to anyone who saw the early stages of the fire. Witnesses can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or by going to act.crimestoppers.com.au