Homicide detectives are investigating a horror house fire that killed a woman and two boys, devastating a community.

Floral tributes have been laid outside a two-storey house in Gladstone, in central Queensland, that was “completely destroyed” by the blaze.

Homicide detectives arrived, but police said they were keeping an open mind with the cause of the fire yet to be determined.

“It’s three unexplained deaths,” acting Detective Superintendent Luke Peachey told reporters.

“We’re keeping a very open mind as to which direction this investigation takes.

“There are probably more questions than answers at the moment.”

Heavy earthmoving equipment was set to remove the house’s roof on Thursday as authorities looked to retrieve the bodies “respectfully”.

“It’s going to be a very challenging investigation,” Det Supt Peachey said.

The fourth person who escaped the fire was known to the families and had spoken to police, he said.

The investigation has no person of interest to date.

The bodies were discovered in the charred remains of the house that partially collapsed after being engulfed in flames early on Wednesday.

Police are yet to officially confirm the names of those killed. But multiple media reports have named them as 36-year-old Jordana Johnson, her 12-year-old son Jordan Norris, and his friend Chazz Mather, also 12.

The bodies of Jordana Johnson, Jordan Norris and Chazz Mather were found in the burned-out house. Photos: Supplied

Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett confirmed the victims were a woman and two children after meeting with some of the devastated relatives.

“There’s two families involved here, and my heart breaks for them all,” he said.

“It’s just a terrible time, particularly when children are involved.

“As you can understand the families are very distraught right now.”

More details also emerged about the morning of the fire, with police saying a number of people tried to help before the blaze engulfed the home.

“We don’t hold anything against these people trying to help,” Peachey said.

“It was a hectic situation.”

Emergency services were called to the Toolooa home at 5.56am on Wednesday. Queensland Police said the house was “fully engulfed”.

As fire crews battled the blaze, multiple occupants of the house were unaccounted for. The fire took 90 minutes to extinguish, and a crime scene was then declared.

A home in nearby Trevally Street is also under guard, with a second crime scene declared there.

Burnett said the Gladstone community had “wrapped their arms” around the affected families as they tried to comprehend the tragedy.

“We are a tight knit community. We will be there for whatever they need,” he said.

“We extend our sincere condolences to families and friends but also to the first responders, it’s a tough time for them as well.”

On Thursday, neighbours were remembering Johnson as a “lovely lady” and a “good mother”.

“They were beautiful people, mate,” they told The Courier-Mail.

“You couldn’t get a better person.

“I just heard two big bangs and the kids singing out, ‘Help, help’.”

The two boys were remembered as “funny and crazy” close friends.

“I really wish I could have seen you one more time but this world is so cruel and just took you from everyone that loved you so much,” one tribute read.

The blaze took fire crews 90 minutes to put out. Photo: Nine Network

“Rip jordana, Jordan and chazz …Condolences to the families and friends. My son went to school with them .. truly heartbreaking !!!” one local posted on Facebook.

Gladstone MP Glenn Butcher backed the community to support the victims’ families, describing it as a “difficult time of sadness and grief”. However he urged locals not to spread misinformation online.

“I kindly ask that we all respect their wishes and refrain from posting unwanted comments on various posts,” he said.

“There is a lot of incorrect information circulating, and the focus should be on supporting those affected, not spreading misinformation.”

Queensland parliament is sitting but Butcher said he had left for Gladstone to support the victims’ families.

“Please be mindful, respectful and considerate as our community comes together to help those who are grieving,” he said.

Butcher said his thoughts were with the family, friends and loved ones of the victims, but also paid tribute to first responders.

Neighbours called emergency services about the blaze after they were reportedly woken up by explosions and what sounded like a thunderstorm.

Police on Wednesday said the cause of the fire was unknown and it might take days to determine the full circumstances.

“It is a tragic event,” Detective Acting Superintendent Luke Peachey said.

“Obviously the fire scene is very horrific … and will take some time to go through.

“We’ll be working with the families, once we establish who those people are, to try and work out what happened.”

Police launched an appeal for information late on Wednesday.

Anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage, particularly in the vicinity of Whiting, Trevally, Marlin and Emperor streets between 5.30am and 6.05am, should also come forward.

Lifeline 131 114

beyondblue 1300 224 636

-with AAP