The call came around 8 this morning and fire crews arriving on the scene could see flames were shooting from the ground floor of the 8-unit building on Taylor Avenue.
Five people were checked out in hospital for smoke inhalation.
The Red Cross and other agencies are looking after the displaced tenants arranging accomodation along with food and clothing.
Two of the eight townhouses on Taylor Avenue are vacant.
The fire was mostly contained to one but others had smoke and water damage and the cause is under investigation.
