A catastrophic house fire that claimed four lives is a tragedy that will send ripples through an entire regional community, a state premier says.
Central Queensland is reeling after the fatal early morning house fire, the second deadly blaze to kill multiple people in the state in less than a month.
The bodies were discovered in the burnt remains after emergency services extinguished the fire at Emerald, police said.
The blaze erupted before 7am on Thursday in the regional town about 270km west of Rockhampton.
A crime scene has been declared, with police and fire investigators launching a major investigation, a Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said.
Police have not released details identifying the four people killed as investigations into the cause of the fire begin.
Premier David Crisafulli said the tragedy would send ripples through the community.
"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.
"This is an incredible tragedy.
"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," Gregory MP Sean Dillon 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," Mayor Janice Moriarty said in a statement.
"On behalf of the Central Highlands Regional Council and the broader community, our thoughts extend to the family and friends of those impacted. "
The horrific blaze comes just weeks after an alleged arson attack killed a mother and two young boys at Gladstone on October 15.
Jordana Johnson, 36, her 12-year-old son Jordan Norris and his friend Chazz Mather, also 12, were killed.
Police said they believed the blaze was deliberately lit, charging a 37-year-old Toolooa woman with three counts of murder and two counts of arson.
Lifeline 13 11 14
beyondblue 1300 22 4636