Source: AAP | Published: Friday June 23

Timeline of backpacker fires in Australia
Fires and backpackers in Australia:

September, 1989 - Six travellers from Austria, Sweden, Denmark and the UK killed when fire sweeps through the Downunder Hostel in Sydney's Kings Cross. Serial arsonist Gregory Allan Brown later convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 18 years jail. Hostel operators Baroku Pty Ltd ordered to pay damages in 1998 after legal action launched by four survivors.

March, 1993 - Ocean View Lodge in Fremantle, Western Australia, damaged by fire in an arson attack. About 130 backpackers safely evacuated.

June, 1995 - Governor-General Bill Hayden calls for better fire control systems in backpacker hostels because as older style buildings they are more vulnerable to blazes.

August, 1996. City Heart Hostel in Rockhampton, Queensland, gutted by fire in an arson attack. Ten backpackers safely evacuated.

January, 1997. 200 tourists flee a fire in Downtown Backpackers Hostel in Melbourne, one suffering smoke inhalation.

June, 1997. One English backpacker killed in a house fire at Woolloomooloo. Two other travellers and two Australians escape unharmed.

January, 2000. Two Dutch backpackers charged after setting fire to the back door of a crowded Sydney bar because they were refused entry.

June 23, 2000. Fifteen people, believed to be young overseas tourists, die after fire tears through a Queensland backpackers hostel