Arson charges filed against woman accused of starting fire that killed Houston firefighter – Houston Public Media

A woman accused of intentionally setting the camp fire that killed a 42-year-old Houston firefighter last week was arrested Saturday and charged with arson, officials said.

Prosecutors allege in court documents that Yesenia Espinoza Mendez, 38, intentionally set fire to materials inside the business building in the 6600 block of Polk Street. Due to the ignition, the flames quickly intensified and engulfed the interior walls of the warehouse.

Firefighters Marcelo Garcia and Shane Cox entered the burning warehouse around 11 p.m. last Wednesday to extinguish the flames. Garcia was killed when a wall collapsed on him.

Additional firefighters called to the scene pulled Garcia from the rubble and attempted to revive him. Cox was injured and suffered bruises to his back and leg.

Fire investigators obtained and reviewed surveillance video footage from a building across the street the night of the fire. Mendez is seen on video at around 10:30 that evening exiting a warehouse door with smoke billowing behind her.

Minutes later, she was seen walking to the Cesar Chavez subway station and boarding a train. According to court documents, investigators used Houston Metro Police Department video footage and facial recognition technology to identify Mendez.

“This indictment is the first step in a long healing process for this city’s firefighters,” Houston Fire Department Chief Thomas Muñoz said in a news release Saturday.

“I would like to express my personal thanks to our Arson Bureau, the Houston Police Department and the METRO Police Department for their cooperation in this investigation,” Muñoz said.

A witness who had lived at the property for two years told police at the scene of the fire that he tried to put out the flames. He confirmed to police that he had observed Mendez inside the building that night.

Court documents allege Mendez started the fire using a red lighter and “numerous combustible materials.” She was arrested Saturday and charged with first-degree arson. Mendez will appear in court again on Monday.

Muñoz tearfully spoke about Garcia in a press conference the morning after the incident.

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“Daily [Garcia] “I woke up to serve the public,” Muñoz said.

“We are a family,” he said. “And what nobler reason is there to wake up and serve this great city and put our lives in danger for it, as well as for our police officers. Wondering what kind of man he was? He is a man who woke up every morning. He came to work to help others and save lives. A hero, a true hero.

Houston firefighters held a procession for Garcia as his body was transported from the coroner's office to Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home on Sunday. A public viewing will be held at the funeral home from 5 to 8 p.m.

According to the city of Houston, a public memorial service for Garcia will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy.