Fire officials now confirm a fatal fire at an Edmonton seniors facility in the area of 83 Ave. and 99 St. was deliberately set.

Fire crews first received word of a fire at the Bethany Senior Citizens Home around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Witnesses describe two separate fires; one destroyed a nearby car, and another inside the complex that started with an explosion. Officials say both were deliberately set.

"The fire appears to have been caused by an explosion and we believe at this time the explosion was deliberately set," said Det. Dwayne Lakusta with the Edmonton Police Service.

Seniors were forced out of the building as crews quickly put out the flames. 

"Left my wallet and everything in there, my credit cards," said resident Klaus Zabiegay.

Two fatalities were confirmed in the fire. Police say the deaths are being treated as suspicious.

"In the preliminary stages, we are treating it as a homicide investigation," said Lakusta.

Investigators say they are not looking for suspects. But won't say whether they believe one of the victims may have set the blaze.

"That's an angle that we're looking at, yes," said Lakusta.

Officials say eight people were transported to hospital for fire-related injuries.

Investigators continue to sift through evidence and debris at the scene. Detectives are also reviewing nearby video surveillance that could possibly help in their investigation.

"It's a little bonkers. I don't know what to think of it, just waiting to get a little more information and stuff," said area resident Marie Lemmerick.

The identities of the two victims have not been released.

Transit buses provided temporary comfort for displaced residents until further arrangements could be made for short-term shelter.

The Red Cross was at the scene assisting evacuees. Damage is pegged at $1.3 million.

A spokesperson for Edmonton Fire Rescue told CTV News it could be some time before residents are allowed back into the building.

With files from Bill Fortier and Susan Amerongen