Massive blaze tears through campsite used by backpackers and rough sleepers leaving path of destruction
A man has been charged over a fire that destroyed a motorhome and several trailers at a popular rest stop frequented by backpackers and rough sleepers.
Queensland Police arrested a 27-year-old man after the fire erupted at the rest area near Glenview, on the Sunshine Coast, about 6am on Wednesday.
Fire crews rushed to the Jowarra Park rest area following reports a motorbike, a motorhome, six camper trailers and tents were on fire.
Several tents and caravans were destroyed in the blaze.
Two people were assessed by paramedics but no serious injuries were reported.
Maryanne Sinton became emotional as she recalled the moment her son called her to break the news his motorhome had been incinerated.
'I got a phone call this morning from my son to say he'd lost everything. I said, "What do you mean?" and he said, "The bastard (allegedly) burnt it down",' she told 7News.
'He's lost a whole lot. Everything he owned was in the bus and camper trailer.'
A massive fire at a popular rest stop has destroyed a motorhome and several trailers (pictured)
The blackened remains of a motorhome are seen following the blaze on Wednesday morning
Outraged locals lamented the destruction of property at a rest area offering a safe haven for those priced out of the housing market.
'This is really sad. Those poor people already had it so hard. they just lost everything,' one person told the Daily Telegraph.
'That's not just a rest stop, many people residing there are homeless. That's their home. Why would anyone do that?' another said.
The man, who was allegedly armed with a metal pole when police arrived, was later charged with three counts of arson, two counts of wilful damage and assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence offence).
He was also charged with breach of bail condition and contravening a domestic violence order for an unrelated matter.
The 27-year-old man has been refused bail and is due to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday.
