Firefighters were called to a fire in Hawker which completely engulfed a unit on Friday morning.
The second floor unit was completely destroyed, with severe smoke damage to the flat above and the block completely evacuated.
Emergency services were called to the unit around 6.45am and ACT Fire and Rescue responded with 3 pumpers, the Bronto aerial appliance and two commander vehicles.
Approximately $250,000 worth of damage was estimated.
Three people were checked by paramedics on scene but did not require treatment.
Neighbour Steven Tritton said it was a big scene but it appeared everybody was okay. He believed two young men lived in the unit.
"It was quite shocking really," he said.
His photos of the scene captured a cat escaping the fire by jumping from the second floor balcony.