Teen charged over motorhome fire that left man inside critically injured

A teenage boy has been charged in relation to a motorhome fire that left a man living inside with critical burns.Police allege the motorhome was set alight in the early hours of October 29.They allege a 14-year-old Wallsend boy was responsible, charging him today with damage property by fire/explosives greater than $15,000 and reckless grievous bodily harm.He appeared before the Children's Court today and was refused bail.At the time of the fire, witnesses said they heard loud bangs and explosions before it was swallowed up by a fireball.In a statement at the time, Fire and Rescue NSW said there had been reports of gas bottles involved in the fire.Police praised bystanders afterwards, saying the blaze was suspicious.Forensic officers declared the motorhome a crime scene.Police investigate the fire. (ABC Newcastle: Ben Clifford)The 69-year-old occupant was described by locals as a quiet man who had fallen on hard times.One resident said complaints had been made to the council about the motorhome being parked in local streets.Police said a resident pulled the man out of the burning vehicle to safety.NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man for burns before he was taken to John Hunter Hospital and later flown to Royal North Shore Hospital. He remains there in a critical condition.The teenager is due back in court again next Friday.