A “man has been ruled out” as a suspect of a house fire that critically injured two young girls and a woman, a spokesperson for Victoria Police said.

The trio were evacuated from the blaze at a home on Terrigal St in Chadstone, in Melbourne’s southeast, at about 9.40pm on Wednesday.

The girls, aged 8 and 10, were rushed to The Royal Children’s Hospital, while the 37-year-old woman was taken to The Alfred Hospital.

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“They were unconscious, so they were carried out and taken out to the front where Ambulance Victoria paramedics and firefighters were waiting,” Fire Rescue Victoria Commander Paul Eckholdt said.

“They did have some burns and they also had some airway burns as well.”

Victoria Police Detective Inspector Chris Murray noted the “heroic acts” of firefighters in rescuing the woman and girls.

Investigators are treating the fire as suspicious and have spoken with a 36-year-old man who also lives at the home.

“He has assisted police with their enquiries,” the Victoria police spokesperson said.

“Detectives will look to speak to the female occupant from the home.

“However, she remains in a critical condition in hospital and is therefore not in a position to speak with police.”

The two girls also remain in a critical condition.

Police believe the fire was caused by an exploding gas cylinder inside the house.

“How that’s come to explode is a matter for the investigation to unpack and determine what’s gone on,” Murray said.

In response to another question, Murray said the woman and girls were not prevented from leaving the home but added that the explosion and fire would have caught them by surprise.

None of the occupants were previously known to police.

“Detectives are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident,” police said.

“The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire remains ongoing.”