Vancouver police are seeking the public's assistance following an early-morning blaze in South Vancouver.

Two people were sent to hospital, including a 33-year-old man with serious injuries, after fire broke out in a three-storey apartment building around 3 a.m.

Police say residents reported hearing fireworks around that time and saw people walking toward Marine Drive.

Investigators suspect that the fire began in the area and spread to the 19-unit building, where tenants were sleeping.

“We believe someone out there knows how this fire started. We’re asking them to do the right thing and come forward,” VPD Sgt. Steve Addison said in a news release. “This fire caused significant damage, destroyed a number of homes, and put dozens of people in harm’s way.”

Anyone with information is being asked to contact the major crime section at 604-717-2541 or to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.