On 23 June 2000, a backpackers' hostel in Childers, Queensland, was destroyed by a deliberately-lit fire. Eighty-eight people occupied the hostel at the time of the fire; fifteen died. The deceased were travellers from England, Holland, Ireland, Korea, Japan and Australia.

In response to the fire, new legislation was introduced in 2002 requiring all budget accommodation buildings to prepare and implement Fire Safety Management Plans.

An inquest into the fires was held by the State Coroner of Brisbane. The findings were released on 7 July 2006.