A dramatic overnight unit fire in Cairns, Queensland, forced a man to jump from a second-storey window as flames and smoke spread through a residential property in the suburb of Bungalow. Emergency services responded to reports of the blaze at a unit complex on Alan Street shortly after midnight.

Witnesses described a frightening scene as smoke alarms sounded and residents rushed to understand what was happening. Local resident Ahmed Ibrahim said he heard a smoke alarm before hearing loud screams coming from the burning unit. He said the fire quickly intensified, with smoke and flames becoming visible from outside the building.

The man inside the affected unit, aged 59, attempted to escape the rapidly developing fire by jumping from the second level of the building. Witnesses immediately contacted emergency services, requesting medical assistance after seeing him fall and suffer injuries.

Queensland Fire Department crews arrived at the scene with multiple fire appliances and worked to contain the blaze. Firefighters searched the building to ensure all residents were accounted for, and the fire was extinguished around 1am.

Residents from the unit complex were evacuated as a safety precaution and were provided with temporary accommodation. Emergency crews checked surrounding units to ensure there were no further injuries or people trapped inside.

The injured man was transported to Cairns Hospital in a stable condition. Health authorities later confirmed he had been discharged from hospital.

Following the incident, police established a crime scene while investigations continued into the circumstances surrounding the fire. Authorities later charged the 59-year-old man with one count of arson. Police stated he was refused bail and was scheduled to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court.

Investigators are examining how the fire started and the events leading up to the blaze. While a crime scene was established, authorities continued their assessment as part of the investigation process.

The incident highlights the dangers of residential fires and the importance of working smoke alarms, emergency evacuation plans and quick action when a fire begins. Fire authorities regularly remind residents that smoke can spread rapidly through buildings, leaving very little time to escape safely.

Neighbour reactions showed the shock experienced by the local community, with residents describing the sound of alarms, screams and emergency crews arriving to control the situation. The quick response from firefighters and emergency services helped prevent further injuries among other occupants of the building.

Residential fires remain a major safety concern across Queensland, with authorities encouraging people to maintain smoke alarms, avoid unsafe electrical practices and immediately contact emergency services when a fire occurs.

The Cairns unit fire investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing evidence and preparing the matter for court proceedings.