"It's a terrible scene,and like I said,we've got three deceased children,a deceased adult male and a critically injured female. A terrible thing to be presented with,but we'll work through it."
Mr Tong described the scene as"confronting",saying all of the attending crews had been stood down from duty and would be debriefed.
Three firefighting crews and one fire investigation unit were called just before 8.30am,a Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokeswoman said.
The car was engulfed in flames but was under control within 15 minutes.
Neighbour Murray Campbell heard multiple explosions from his backyard and came running out the front to see the car"engulfed in flames".
He called triple zero when he heard the explosions,adding"the rest is just horrible".
"[There were] multiple explosions ... it was very loud,like a gas cylinder exploding. It was every bit as bad as that,"he said.
Mr Campbell did not see anyone leaving the scene but said the car was stationary when on fire before it rolled across the street ablaze.
He said he had not seen the people or car before,but police have confirmed the victims lived in the general area.
Inspector Thompson said police extensively door-knocked the entire area this morning.
"I anticipate that there will be another crime scene or two to be declared,but at this stage,we haven't declared another crime scene,"he said.
"How the fire actually occurred has not been ascertained at the moment,so for us to call it a murder-suicide or a tragic accident is inappropriate for us to try and do that.
"It is very early in the investigation,but I can say that the vehicle was fully emerged in fire upon police services arriving."
Rowan Baxter once played for the New Zealand Warriors rugby league club in a pre-season match against NRL club the Parramatta Eels. He had previously played as a winger for Bay of Plenty in the New Zealand rugby competition.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said it was a"very sad day".
"As members of parliament,we get to see the best of people and the worst of people. We can see the frailty of the human condition,we can see how precious life is,"he said.
"Today is a very sad day,I have just been informed by the police commissioner that three people have died,including children,in a horrific incident at Camp Hill this morning.
"All emergency services are on scene. The situation is at a very early stage and I am informed police are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding this tragic set of events."
Brisbane city councillor for the area,Fiona Cunningham,was"absolutely devastated and struggling to come to terms with a horrific tragedy in Camp Hill".
"Our children are so precious and this is just another reminder to hug them tight and treasure every moment spent with them,''she posted.
"Rest In Peace little angels.''
The fire investigation unit and police remained at Camp Hill,a residential suburb about six kilometres south-east of Brisbane's CBD.
Inspector Thompson urged the public to come forward if they had any information about the incident.
"It's very important for us to get a complete picture of what occurred here today,"he said.
Anyone who lives in the vicinity of Raven or Pryde streets at Camp Hill who heard or saw anything,or has been told something in relation to this fire has been urged to contact Policelink on 131 144,Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,or their local police station.
If you or someone you know needs help,phone Lifeline on 131 114 or 1800 RESPECT.
-With Jocelyn Garcia and AAP