An investigation is underway after two police officers fired their weapons during the dramatic arrest of a 53-year-old man suspected of lighting up to four fires in north Queensland.

A helicopter pilot spotted the alleged arsonist while flying over Cedar Creek Falls in the Whitsundays yesterday afternoon.

Police allege when the officers found the man, he rammed their car with his vehicle.

Acting Inspector Damien Wells said the acting sergeant and constable both opened fire at the man's car.

A back-up team arrived moments later and the four officers arrested the man.

Police Acting Inspector Wells spoke to the media a day after the alleged crime. ( ABC News: Melissa Maddison )

He was taken to Proserpine Hospital for injuries sustained in the collision, before being discharged and taken away for questioning.

The two injured policemen were also treated for minor injuries.

The man will face Proserpine Magistrates Court on Friday morning on seven charges, including setting fire to vegetation, dangerous operation of a vehicle while affected by an intoxicating substance, resisting arrest and possession of dangerous drugs.

Inspector Wells said the man, who is known to police, was accused of lighting "three to four" fires on private property.

The region is currently enduring a "high" fire danger rating.

The blazes allegedly lit by the man were under control and were being monitored.

The alleged offender was released from Proserpine hospital but remained in custody. ( ABC News: Melissa Maddison )

Inspector Wells praised the quick-thinking of the helicopter pilot and his passenger.

"An observant member of the public saw something suspicious, was able to coordinate and liaise with police, direct us and give us information and evidence that led to the apprehension of [the alleged offender]."

"Any fire that is not caught quickly has the propensity to spread and present a danger to people, property, livestock.

"This is an excellent example of community and police working together to make the community safer."

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 1 minute 15 seconds 1 m 15 s The blaze at Peregian Beach forced hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes.

A crime scene has been established and the matter is being investigated by the Ethical Standards Command, with oversight from the Crime and Corruption Commission and the taskforce recently established to investigate bushfire arsons.

Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan said he couldn't go into specifics of the case because of the ongoing investigations, but messages about fire safety needed to be reinforced with the community.

"You can go to jail for up to life imprisonment if you commit arson," he said.

"It is a serious offence and we take it very seriously."

The incident followed charges being laid against two teenagers who were accused of starting the blaze at Peregian Beach on Queensland's Sunshine Coast that destroyed one home and threatened many more.

"We've seen quite frankly over the last few weeks people engaging in some reckless behaviour, some stupid behaviour and some deliberate behaviour," Mr Ryan said.

"Those people will be caught by the police.

"We have dealt with about 30 people who we believe have had some dealings with recent fires and police won't rest if there is an element of deliberateness in the fire.

"We will find out who it is and they will face the full force of the law."