An intense fire in a Tamar Street unit sent thick smoke across a large part of Ballina this morning as firefighters battled the blaze for more than an hour.

The fire broke out at the residential complex at 30 Tamar Street about 9am, with a large plume of smoke fanned across the eastern part of town by strong southerly winds.

Tamar Street was blocked between Martin and Norton streets while emergency crews worked at the scene, with local residents gathering at a distance to watch the response.

Four fire trucks from Ballina, Alstonville and Lismore were sent to the blaze, a local fire brigade spokesman confirmed.

The spokesman described the fire as intense and said crews remained at the complex ensuring it was fully extinguished.

Concerned nearby residents joined police keeping an eye on the scene

More than an hour after the fire began, smoke was still coming from the complex and fire crews remained on scene.

There was no confirmed information at the time of writing about whether anyone was inside the unit when the fire broke out or whether anyone had been injured.

More to come.

MIDDAY UPDATE

Police had been at the Tamar Street unit complex overnight following concerns about an occupant before this morning’s intense fire, people at the scene have told Ballina News Daily.

It is understood police remained at the four-unit complex after an occupant allegedly threatened self-harm and threatened to set the building on fire.

A major fire subsequently broke out about 9am, although the circumstances surrounding how it started have not yet been confirmed by police or fire authorities.

The man at the centre of the overnight incident is understood to have been extracted from the premises during the emergency response and taken by ambulance to hospital. His condition is not yet known.

Several of the four units are understood to have been severely damaged, leaving a number of residents without homes.

A community appeal has already been launched to help an elderly man who lived in the front unit.

Local community fundraiser Mark Ross is coordinating assistance for the resident and is asking anyone able to help to contact him on 0427 869 536.

Ballina News Daily has sought further information from police about the overnight incident, the man’s condition and the circumstances surrounding the fire.