Woman Allegedly Burns Boyfriend’s Clothes in BBQ Pit, Causing Fire to ‘Irreparably’ Damage Apartment Building

A Texas woman is facing a reckless arson charge after authorities say she set her boyfriend’s clothing on fire in a barbecue pit on an apartment balcony in Sheldon, Texas, on Monday, Jan. 5.

According to the Harris County Fire Marshal, investigators believe the burning followed a domestic dispute between the woman and her boyfriend. Officials said she tried to put the fire out, but it later flared back up and spread to the apartment building.

The fire extended into multiple units, with Sheldon Community Fire & Rescue reporting that 13 apartments were left heavily damaged beyond repair. The fire also caused extensive smoke and water damage, and the building suffered a partial structural collapse when the second floor fell onto the first, according to Fox 26.

Officials said the boyfriend was taken to the hospital for reasons that were not immediately disclosed. One firefighter was also transported to a hospital and was later reported to be in stable condition.

A witness, Mario Thompson, told ABC 13 the roof appeared to have given way, with debris falling from the back of the structure.