One person remains in hospital as investigations continue into a fire, which began in suspicious circumstances at a Braddon public housing complex on Tuesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Block seven of the Bega Court flats, on Cooyong Street, remained behind police tape on Wednesday as a forensics team examined the scene.
No arrests have been made in relation to the fire, which gutted two units, but ACT Policing confirmed investigators were speaking to several of the tenants.
A police spokeswoman could not confirm whether the blaze was deliberately lit, saying investigators were pursuing several avenues of inquiry.
''Should the outcome of the investigation reveal the fire was deliberately lit, any identified offenders may be charged with the offence of arson,'' she said.
''The investigation is still in its early stages.''
The spokeswoman also confirmed that the cause of the fire did not appear to be drug-related.
She said police officers from ACT Criminal Investigations and AFP Forensic Services had also visited the scene, following air quality testing by ACT Fire and Rescue on Wednesday morning.
One person remains in hospital in a stable condition following the fire.
Three people were initially treated by ACT Ambulance Service intensive care paramedics at the scene, while two were taken to hospital for burns and smoke inhalation.
The fire caused extensive damage and affected six units, three of which were vacant, before being extinguished about 2.40pm.
A spokeswoman for Housing Minister Shane Rattenbury said three tenants were evacuated as a result of the fire.
The spokeswoman said the three affected tenants remained in either short-term accommodation, with family or in hospital.
''Housing and Community Services is talking to the tenants and their families to ensure their accommodation needs are met both in the immediate and longer terms,'' she said.
The spokeswoman said the full extent and cost of the damages would be identified and repaired ''as required'', despite the inclusion of the complex in a redevelopment proposal being considered by a Legislative Assembly committee.
Canberra's charities have also stepped up amid the investigations, with St John's Care offering aid to the three people affected by the fire.
''If they needed help with bedding, clothes or food, we'd be more than willing to help them,'' the charity's Sue Jordan said.
''If people need help, that's what we're here for.''
Police continue to urge anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in or around the Reid area to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or through the Crime Stoppers website on act.crimestoppers.com.au.
