Officials with the volunteer fire department in Duncan say they have determined what caused a major blaze that forced nearly 100 people from their homes.

Duncan Fire Chief Mike McKinlay says candles likely sparked the flames at the 128-unit Parkland Place apartment complex.

A firefighter and 12 residents had to be treated for smoke inhalation as the fire ripped through the four-storey building on June 3.

Twenty-three of the apartments are still uninhabitable and officials say those suites could take months to repair.