A 37-year-old woman has been charged with murder and arson over a horror house fire in Queensland that killed three people, including two young boys.

The blaze, on October 15, completely destroyed the two-storey home at Toolooa in Gladstone.

Inside, emergency services found the bodies of Jordana Johnson, 36, her 13-year-old son Jordan Norris, and his friend Chazz Mather, also 12, who had been staying for a sleepover.

Queensland Police said on Friday that Toolooa woman Contessa Leigh Marie Richardson had been arrested and charged with three counts of murder and two counts of arson. She has been denied bail and her case adjourned.

Detective Acting Inspector Brett Richard told media in Gladdsone on Friday afternoon that Richardson was allegedly seen in Whiting Street shortly after the fire.

She was later taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Neighbours called emergency services about the blaze after they were woken up by explosions and what sounded like a thunderstorm.

Several people reportedly tried to help before flames completely engulfed the home in what Detective Superintendent Luke Peachey described at the time as a “hectic situation”.

It took crews almost two hours to extinguish the fire, with police later declaring the house a crime scene and launching a public appeal for information.

After the tragedy, Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett said the local community had “wrapped their arms” around the affected families as they tried to comprehend their losses.

“We are a tight-knit community. We will be there for whatever they need,” he said.

The bodies of Jordana Johnson, Jordan Norris and Chazz Mather were found in the burned-out house.

The devastated family spoke publicly for the first time earlier this week ahead of a beachside gathering planned for this Saturday to remember the trio.

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

“The impact of this horrific event is being deeply felt not only by our family but by the Gladstone community and across the nation.

“Our lives, and all those that loved and knew Jordana, Jordan and Chazz are forever changed.”

Johnson was remembered as a devoted mum with a big heart, while Jordan was described as “fun, playful and cheeky” and protective of his family and friends. His mate Chazz was said to be an outgoing “loving soul with a cheeky attitude”.

“We are overwhelmed with grief but also with gratitude for the love, support and generosity being shown to our families,” the statement said.

A GoFundMe page set up for donations to help Jordana Johnson’s two daughters and Chazz’s mother and siblings has so far raised more than $32,000.

–with AAP