Four people were treated for smoke inhalation after a million-dollar apartment fire in Winnipeg.

Emergency crews were called to the highrise in the 2300 block of Portage Avenue just before 11 p.m. Thursday.

The fire started in a seventh floor suite.

People inside the suite escaped to the balcony until firefighters arrived and escorted them safely out of the building.

Other residents who were forced from their suites were sheltered in Winnipeg Transit buses until they were allowed to return.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Police say heavy smoke and water damage put the cost of the fire at about $1 million.