A 27-year-old Caloundra West man has been charged with three counts of arson, two counts of wilful damage and common assault following an incident on Wednesday.
The fire gutted multiple vehicles at a well-known roadside rest stop at Glenview.
The man was allegedly armed with a metal pole when he was taken into custody after the incident, which occurred near the old Daisy’s Place at Glenview.
A Queensland Fire Department spokesperson said the blaze destroyed a motorhome, a motorbike and six camper trailers or tents.
Seven fire department crews attended the scene by Frizzo Connection Road, off busy Steve Irwin Way, before 6am and the fire was brought under control by 7am.
A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said investigations were underway.
“Police are investigating a suspicious fire at a Sunshine Coast rest area this morning, resulting in a number of campervans and vehicles damaged,” they said.
“Around 6am, police were called to reports of a man allegedly setting fire to camping equipment at the Jowarra Park rest area.
“Upon arrival officers were confronted by a man allegedly armed with a metal pole, who was taken into custody a short time later without incident.
“A crime scene has been declared and investigations continue.
“Anyone who may have relevant dashcam/vision in the area at the time is asked to contact police.”
The Queensland Ambulance Service also attended and assessed two people.
The man was also charged with assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence offence) and contravention of domestic violence order, breach of bail condition and contravention of domestic violence order for an unrelated matter.
The man has been refused police bail and was due to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24 hours per day. Quote this reference number: QP2501073464.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, you should report it to police. Support and counselling is available from the following agencies: DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811; DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636; 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732; 13YARN: 13 92 76. More information is also available from the Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence portal.
