Woman killed in Gold Coast unit fire

A woman has died after fire ripped through a unit on the Gold Coast.

Firefighters found the woman dead inside the unit, which was one of a small number in a two-storey building on Frank Street at Southport.

The unit was destroyed, and a neighbouring one badly damaged.

About 10 people were evacuated from the building after the fire took hold.

They've since been allowed to return to their homes.

The fire broke out about 4.30am.

More than 20 firefighters were sent to the scene and officers in breathing apparatus conducted sweeps of the building, a fire service spokeswoman told AAP.

Fire investigators will work to determine the cause of the blaze.

The fire service said one firefighter sustained a calf injury and was taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable condition.

A second firefighter sustained a small cut to the hand and was treated at the scene.

Firefighters remain at the site dampening down the building.