Fire at block of units on NSW North Coast claims life

One person has died after an explosion that rocked a block of units in Ballina, on the NSW North Coast.

Police confirmed there were reports of an explosion at 7.30pm last night which is believed to have caused a fire at the block of five units.

The fire is not believed to be suspicious. Residents nearby were evacuated to an oval while the fire was brought under control.

Neighbour Julian Treanor escaped the fire and said the explosion was "very loud."

"We were just sitting in the house, there was a big explosion that shook the house," he said.

"Bottles were falling in the kitchen onto the floor.

"As we exited the house there was smoke and flames pouring out so we just got everyone out."

He said the flames were coming from the apartment below.

"As soon as it happened we ran outside," he said.

"We are all ok which is the important thing."

NSW Police Inspector Nicole Bruce from Ballina Police Station said emergency crews were called just after 7.30pm.

"Upon arrival, two of the units were well engulfed," she said.

"Unfortunately one male deceased person has been located inside."

The man was found near the rear door of one of the units and is yet to be formally identified.

Investigations are working to establish the cause of the explosion.