Man accused of torching Fortitude Valley backpackers' hostel

A man has been charged with breaking into a Brisbane backpackers' hostel and setting it on fire, forcing the evacuation of about 200 people.

Police allege the 28-year-old smashed a window at the Fortitude Valley hostel and then used an accelerant to start a blaze in a bathroom just before 7pm yesterday.

He fled through the broken window as fire alarms went off and people began to flee, police said.

However, another man followed him to a nearby car park where he was arrested.

Authorities have said it was lucky no-one was hurt, given the fire was on the fifth floor.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesman said early warning systems meant everyone was able to get out, and gave crews the time they needed to extinguish the flames before they could take hold.

"We had the fortunate circumstance where we had all of around 200 people evacuated really quickly," he told the ABC.

About 20 firefighters were sent to the scene, and managed to quickly put out the blaze. 

One room was damaged and an adjacent room sustained smoke damage.

The man has been charged with attempted arson and entering a premises with intent to commit an indictable offence.

He will appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today.