An early morning fire on Sunday at a south side seniors complex has resulted in $15 million in damages.

Just after 3:30 a.m., fire crews arrived at the 4-storey complex which houses 140 suites in the area of 106 Street and 40th Avenue.

86-year-old Dennis Newman, who lives in the building, said it all happened very quickly.

"The alarm went off and I immediately came outside and I could see the building was burning."

Newman and fellow resident Frank Graves were able to walk out on their own, but others needed assistance.

"Many people have walkers or wheelchairs even, and canes and they all came without those things, and so they were dependent on people helping," said Graves.

Firefighters, along with staff members, neighbours and other people on scene were able to get the residents to safety.

ETS buses also arrived to transport the residents to another property.

Emergency crews admitted to CTV News that they were surprised with how many people showed up to help bring the residents to safety.

Among them was CTV's own photographer, Matt Marshall, who dropped his camera to assist.

"We had to grab them one at a time or two at a time and carry them down," said Marshall. "Luckily we got them all down there and got them warm with some blankets."

Public information officer with the Edmonton Fire Department, Melanie Mochoruk, confirmed 16 units were affected by the blaze, and said 18 units responded to the incident, which is classified as a three- alarm fire.

About 160 seniors are now homeless after the blaze. Many were able to return to the building Monday to try to find some of their necessary items like medications and important documents after firefighters allowed them the access.

87-year-old Marian Gauld said a bathrobe is all she has for now.

"This (bathrobe) is all I have and I can't get any clothes out, they say I can get my purse and medications," she said.

The cause of the blaze is still under investigation. 

Donations with the Red Cross are now being accepted to help the residents at the complex, call 780-423-2680 for more information or drop donations off at the Carrington Properties' Riverbend location at 200 Falconer Court.

With files from Scott Roberts