A 54-year-old man is in critical condition following a suspicious apartment fire Sunday morning.

Fire crews responded to the two-alarm blaze around 7:30 a.m. in an apartment building on 115 Street and 107 Avenue.

When firefighters arrived, they saw heavy flames coming out of the south side of the 24-suite four-storey walkup.

Two people had to be rescued from third floor balconies, while another person was helped out of a fourth floor window.

A 54-year-old man was brought to hospital with life-threatening injuries. A second person was treated for minor injuries.

Fifty firefighters were on scene and the blaze was under control within an hour.

The EPS Homicide Section and Arson Unit have taken over the investigation and the fire is considered suspicious.

The Red Cross was called to help with the 35 displaced residents, who won’t have access to their homes for at least a couple of days.

Edmonton Emergency Relief Services is also helping provide basic supplies to families in need. The organization is looking for donations of toiletries, men’s underwear, winter boots and shoes and generic clothing.