Residents along Marina Street, Msida were suddenly awakened by a fierce fire in an apartment at about midnight yesterday.
The police said the blaze was probably caused by an electric blanket. They said no one was injured but the apartment's only occupant, a 49-year-old man, and a neighbour were treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation on site.
The apartment was almost destroyed by the flames and some neighbours had their balcony damaged.