Homicide detectives are investigating after three people were found dead inside a burned car beside a scorched building at a construction site in northwest Calgary.

"The circumstances are suspicious," acting Insp. Paul Wozney said, adding that investigators believe the fire "was used to conceal evidence."

The bodies were found around 7 a.m. Monday in the 100 block of Sage Bluff Circle N.W.

Firefighters had initially responded to the area and found the bodies inside the vehicle after extinguishing the fire.

Calgary police released this aerial photo of the crime scene. The burned car is seen at right, beneath a red tarp, next to the building under construction. (Calgary Police Service)

Wozney said one of the bodies is male, one is female and the third is believed to be female.

All three are believed to be adults, he said.

Police are working with the medical examiner's office to determine the identities of the victims.

Autopsies are scheduled for Tuesday.

Vehicle owner has criminal history

The fire happened in the relatively new community of Sage Hill, where many new homes are being built.

Burn marks were visible on a structure under construction beside the car, a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.

Wozney said the vehicle had Alberta plates and wasn't reported stolen.

Police released this generic image of a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and are asking anyone with information about the fire to contact them. (Calgary Police Service)

Police are trying to locate the registered owner and said it's not yet clear whether the owner was among the deceased.

The registered owner has a criminal history in Calgary, Wozney said, but he wouldn't reveal the details.

'Loud popping noises'

Allison Campbell, who lives in the area, said her husband was having breakfast when he was alerted to the incident by some unusual sounds.

"He heard two loud popping noises so he looked out our back window and saw a fire spreading up the building just out back there," Campbell said.

"He went upstairs to look out our bathroom and he heard two more loud, popping noises."

Burn marks were visible next to the car on a structure that was under construction. (Monty Kruger/CBC)

She said a fire truck arrived shortly after and started putting out the fire.

Campbell said the incident has left her rattled.

Before police revealed that homicide detectives were on the case, it was unclear whether the fire was suspicious or accidental, and Campbell said she hoped it was the latter.

"You don't think something like that is going to happen right behind your house, so it's a bit alarming," she said.

'It's just so sad'

Campbell believed condos were under construction at the site of the fire.

Nadia Muneer, another nearby resident, said construction at the site had started about two weeks ago and the building that was scorched had gone up in the past few days.

At first, she said she thought it was the building that was burning but later learned it was a vehicle with people inside.

"It's just so sad," Muneer said.

Police urge anyone with information or video that may help with the investigation to call them at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.