Boy, 13, arrested over Queensland bushfire

Police have charged a 13-year-old boy with arson after an investigation into a bushfire on the Sunshine Coast.

The February 2 fire at Sippy Downs caused an emergency situation to be declared and the evacuation of 16 homes due to the intensity of the blaze, smoke and possible structural damage.

Detective Acting Inspector Daren Edwards said the fire and boy's arrest were a reminder of the dangers of playing with lighters or matches in hot and dry conditions.