Woman charged with murder after house fire killed three

A woman has been charged with murder and arson following a devastating house fire that left a woman and two boys dead.

Jordana Johnson, 36, her 12-year-old son Jordan Norris and her friend Chazz Mather, also 12, died in a fire that destroyed a two-storey house in Gladstone, central Queensland, on October 15.

It took crews almost two hours to extinguish the blaze on October 15, with the search for the trio initially hampered by the collapse of the home’s top floor.

After a week-long investigation, police said they believed the fire was set deliberately and charged the 37-year-old Toolooa woman with three counts of murder and two counts of arson.

A bedside hearing is expected to be held at the hospital on Friday.

The devastated family spoke publicly for the first time earlier in the week, as the Gladstone community planned to remember the trio at a beachside gathering.

“Three beautiful souls were tragically taken from us,” they said in a statement published on social media.

“The impact of this terrible incident is deeply felt not only by our family, but by the Gladstone community and the entire country.

“Our lives and those of everyone who loved and knew Jordana, Jordan and Chazz have been changed forever.”

The community has rallied around the families of the victims, with a meeting planned for Saturday at nearby Barney Point Beach.

Mrs. Johnson was remembered as a devoted mother with a big heart, whose children were her world.

His son Jordan was “fun, playful and cheeky” and protective of his family and friends.

His friend Chazz was described as an outgoing “loving soul with a cheeky attitude”.

The fire is believed to have started while Chazz was visiting for a sleepover.

Police are expected to provide further updates on the investigation on Friday afternoon.