Wanted man sets bushland on fire as police chase

A man who was allegedly spotted with a handgun while driving has been arrested after setting bushland on fire.

The bizarre rampage began at 1pm in Maroochydore yesterday, when the 43-year-old Griffin man was allegedly spotted with the weapon behind the wheel.

Police said the man was also seen driving in a dangerous manner in Petrie about 90 minutes later.

Video from the Queensland Police helicopter showed the man appearing to dump the car in bushland and run from officers.

Two handguns were allegedly dumped in scrub before the man set a number of small fires as he ran.

But his ploy didn't get him much further and he surrendered to police a short time later.

Police seized the two weapons and took the man into custody.

He was later charged with one count each of common assault, going armed to cause fear, dangerous driving, failing to stop a vehicle, wilful damage, unlawful possession of weapons, setting fire to plants and possessing dangerous goods in a vehicle.

The man was due to appear in the Pine Rivers Magistrates Court today.