An Aria-nominated singer has lost everything in a fire that tore through an inner-city Brisbane property.

Emily Wurramarra has appealed for help after her home in West End went up in flames.

Residents of a Brisbane boarding house were heard screaming for help before fleeing a ferocious fire.

Ms Wurramarra is an Indigenous artist who was nominated for Best Blues and Roots at last year’s Arias and has twice won a Queensland Music Award.

The Brisbane-based musician said her family would have to start from scratch.

“My family and I have literally lost everything. We practically have to start from scratch,” she said.

“My manager has started this page for any donations to help my daughter, mother and brother get our life back on track.”

“Super, super, super extremely grateful to anyone that can help even if it’s a dollar.

“There were heaps of valuable things of my grandparents that we can’t replace.

“But I am so grateful and thankful that everyone in the building in safe and no one got hurt. Sending love and light to you and hope you have a beautiful day.”

One firefighter was taken to hospital with a knee injury, but police say all residents of the South Brisbane property have been accounted for.

Witnesses heard residents crying for help as flames took hold of the Vulture Street property about 6am on Thursday and spread to a neighbouring commercial building.

“I just heard screams, ‘fire, fire, help, help’,” neighbour Antal Kovacs told The Courier-Mail.

By the time Mr Kovacs reached the eight-room boarding house, the fire was already raging.

Other witnesses heard explosions as the fire spread, forcing the evacuation of about 30 residents from an aged care home at the back of the property.

“We’re very lucky no one’s been caught (inside),” police Inspector Steve Flori told reporters.

“Everyone that we know that resides in that building has been accounted for.”

Police said all residents were accounted for. Photo: ABC

The fire was still burning just before 9am, with Vulture Street closed in both directions.

The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service said one firefighter was hurt while battling the blaze was taken to hospital for medical checks.

Flames are still active inside the boarding house’s roof cavity, but the blaze has been brought under control.

BREAKING: Huge fire on Vulture street in South Brisbane near Hampstead Rd. Smoke spreading right cross the city @TheTodayShow @9NewsQueensland pic.twitter.com/hpPIHxO8xS

— Jess Millward (@JessMillward9) May 1, 2019

Forensic teams from the fire service are at the scene, but it could be some time before they can work out what caused the blaze.

Inspector Flori said the fire was thought to have started inside one of the units.

-with AAP