Photo: Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association
A Houston woman is charged with arson for the fire that led to the death of firefighter Marcelo Garcia III.
The Houston Fire Department announced Saturday morning that Yesenia Mendez, 38, has been charged with first-degree arson. She's been taken into custody and is being interviewed by investigators.
"This charge is the first step in a long healing process for the firefighters of this city," Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz said.
According to arson investigators, Mendez lit a fire at a warehouse in Houston's East End on Wednesday that ultimately resulted in Garcia's death. HFD said a wall collapsed on Garcia while he was battling the fire.
HFD's Arson Unit, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Texas State Marshal's Office are all investigating the blaze.
Garcia was just 42 years old and a 10-year veteran of the department.
Garcia's body will be escorted from the medical examiner’s office to the Forest Park Lawndale funeral home located at 6900 Lawndale St. in Houston on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 9 a.m.