Residents in several streets were urged to evacuate as fire crews battled towering flames engulfing four homes in an inner city area of Brisbane.

The neighbouring properties were ablaze on Heaslop Street around 3am Thursday morning in the suburb of Woolloongabba.

Police declared an emergency and closed off a number of blocks as the blaze spread among the Queenslander-style wood houses.

The exclusion area was bordered by Heaslop Street, Merton Road, Catherine Street and Annerley Road.

“Members of the public are advised to avoid the area and those within the exclusion zone are asked to evacuate the area immediately and to follow any direction of emergency services,” police said.

A number of blocks were included in the exclusion zone.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) crews were called to the scene when locals heard loud crackling noises in the night.

It’s reported that two of the homes were occupied and two are believed to be vacant.

The fire is reported to have started in one of the unoccupied homes.

There were no reports yet of injuries.

Tweet from @QldAmbulance

QFES said large amounts of smoke would impact the area throughout the morning.

“Nearby residents should close their windows and doors, and those suffering from a respiratory condition should keep their medications close by.”