A suspicious explosion was reported shortly before 2pm at block seven of the Bega Court Flats on Cooyong Street, opposite the Canberra Centre.

Three peoplewere treated by ACT Ambulance Service intensive care paramedics at the scene.

A womanwas taken to Canberra Hospital after she was initially treated for burns to her hands and smoke inhalation while a manwas treated for smoke inhalation and takento Calvary Hospital.

Another man was assessed at the scene, and did not require hospitalisation.

Police said they were treating the fire as suspicious and are calling for witnesses.

ACT Fire and Rescue Commander Jim Schlizio said the cause of the explosion was unclear but that the subsequent fire was ‘‘ferocious’’.

‘‘Unconfirmed reports of an explosion on the second floor are currently being investigated,’’ he said.

‘‘Early reports that we got were that there was a loud explosion and the ferocity of the fire suggests the explosion needs to be investigated further. We are mindful that this is a suspicious fire and it will be handed over to police. We will work with the police on determining a cause.’’

Police called on anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in or around the Reid area to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers website on act.crimestoppers.com.au.

Tom Corra wasdoingmaintenance work at the Canberra Centre when he first smelt smoke.

‘‘We ran up the road and there were people running everywhere,’’ he said.‘‘It was pretty chaotic. Nobody had any idea what to do.’’

Mr Corra said there had been dark smoke billowing from one apartment window.

‘‘The flames were pumping out of a main window before it went to two more windows,’’ he said.

‘‘There was a fair bit of stuff billowing out into the street.’’

A large crowd of people had gathered to watch the dramatic scenes unfold from the street.

The fire was extinguished about 2.40pm, with glass strewn across nearby Cooyong Street and extensive damage to the interior and exterior of the building’s second and third floors.

Four fire pumpers, the breathing apparatus van, the Bronto Skylift Hydraulic Platform, a command officer and more than a dozen ACT Policing units were also on the scene.

An ACT government spokeswoman said the building was included in a redevelopment proposal being considered by a Legislative Assembly committee.

The spokeswoman said it was too early to tell if the residences would be repaired, or left vacant before the building’s demolition.

Residentswere offered emergency accommodation on Tuesday and a decision is expected on longer-term arrangementssoon.

Earlier, a kitchen fire caused more than $80,000damageto a home at Leibnitz Place,Isabella Plains.

ACT Fire and Rescue extinguished the fire after a triple-0 call about 12.45pm, with damage confined to the kitchen and no injuries reported.Three fire pumpers were sent to the house, along with the breathing apparatus van and a command officer.

The Hazardous Materials unit also attended for air monitoring and ventilation operations.

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