A man in his 30s, a teenage girl and two toddlers have been confirmed as the four killed in a devastating house fire in central Queensland.

Premier David Crisafulli said Thursday’s fatal blaze at Emerald, about 270 kilometres west of Rockhampton, would “send ripples through an entire community”.

Emergency services arrived within five minutes of the blaze erupting before 7am.

Two people – believed to be a woman and another child – had escaped the fire and were outside the home as neighbours attempted to contain the flames with garden hoses.

“It’s been quite traumatic on emergency services,” Queensland Police Senior Sergeant Peter McFarlane said.

The pair who escaped the fire were taken to hospital “more with psychological than physical injuries”, he said.

The relationship between the deceased was not yet known and McFarlane would not speculate on whether the fire was suspicious.

An e-scooter was among several lines of investigation into the cause of the blaze, he said.

E-mobility devices are the subject of a parliamentary inquiry in Queensland.

Establishing where the fire started was difficult from observing externally, Queensland Fire Department inspector for Emerald Scott Castree said.

“Neighbours put in an incredible effort using what they had available, including garden hoses,” he said.

A online campaign has been set up to help the family of those who died. Photo: Gofundme

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli says the tragedy will be felt throughout the community. Photo: AAP

Crisafulli said the loss of life was an incredible tragedy.

“It’s the kind of event that rocks all communities, but particularly smaller communities,” he said.

“The connections of school and sport and community groups, and emergency services personnel, the tragedy will ripple right throughout that community.

“On behalf of the government, I express my deepest, deepest sympathies for what is an incredibly harrowing experience.”

The sentiments were echoed by regional MP Sean Dillon.

“My heart goes out to the family and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives,” he said.

“My thoughts are also with the first responders and residents of the broader Emerald community.”

Central Highlands Mayor Janice Moriarty said the entire community had been affected.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic fire … council understands that authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and we offer our full support and co-operation to responding agencies,” she said.

“On behalf of the Central Highlands Regional Council and the broader community, our thoughts extend to the family and friends of those impacted.”

The tragedy comes weeks after an alleged arson attack killed a mother and two young boys at Gladstone on October 15.

Jordana Johnson, 36, and her 12-year-old son Jordan Norris were killed along with his friend Chazz Mather, who was also aged 12.

Police said they believed the fire was deliberately lit, charging a 37-year-old Toolooa woman with three counts of murder and two counts of arson.

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—with agencies