Police have found “human remains” and several gas bottles inside a Queensland townhouse that was destroyed in a massive explosion and fire on Wednesday.

There had been grave fears for the occupant of the property in Murrumba Downs, north of Brisbane, when authorities were unable to make contact.

Queensland Police confirmed the discovery of human remains as they combed the debris of the Nambucca Close home on Thursday.

Local media report that a number of nine-kilogram gas bottles were also found in the townhouse — four “together” in the lounge room and one in the garage.

Property records identify the property’s owner as the same man whose social media posts in recent weeks outlined personal financial difficulties.

“My mortgage payments 15 months ago were 1200 and (now) just under 3000,” he wrote on Facebook.

An hour before the blast, he had posted about his own funeral.

Detective Acting Inspector Stephen Windsor said it was clear the owner faced challenges.

“The information I’ve been provided is that the male person has had some challenges and some current pressures in life,” he said.

Acting Inspector Windsor told reporters that “severely charred” human parts were found in what appeared to be the garage.

A report would be prepared for the coroner.

“Investigations into the cause of the fire remain ongoing and forensic testing will be conducted to positively identify the deceased,” said a police media statement.

Acting Inspector Windsor said there were no concerns for community safety.

“We don’t believe that there’s anyone else involved in this matter,” he told reporters on Thursday.

“We don’t hold any other concerns and we are currently not looking for a suspect.”

Explosion heard streets away

First responders were met with large plumes of dark smoke as they rushed to the fire in the suburban street about 1pm on Wednesday.

Police evacuated neighbouring properties and closed off surrounding streets while fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze, which took two hours to bring under control.

The property was completely destroyed as a result of the blaze, which followed reports of a blast heard several suburbs away. Debris from the ruined townhouse was strewn across the surrounding area.

Police have declared a crime scene and investigations were continuing on Thursday. They said they were yet to make contact with the person who lived at the property.

No injuries were reported to emergency services at the time of the incident, although one person from a neighbouring unit was transported by paramedics with emotional distress.

The cause of the blaze is so far unknown.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police.

-with AAP