HFD said two firefighters, a captain and a probationary firefighter, suffered burns as they were trying to escape the burning building.
HOUSTON — A man has been arrested and charged with arson for allegedly setting his grandmother’s house on fire in the Sunnyside community early Thursday morning, according to the Houston Fire Department. Two firefighters suffered burns putting that fire out.
HFD said firefighters were initially called to the scene on Botany Lane near Leitrim Way at 12:15 a.m. The fire was out by 12:37 a.m.
The fire department said initial reports suggested someone was still in the home as the house burned. Responding firefighters tried to clear the home but did not find anyone before the flames forced them out.
HFD said two firefighters, a captain and a probationary firefighter, suffered burns as they were trying to escape the burning building. The captain remained in the hospital Thursday night, but the probationary firefighter was discharged.
Investigators said they believe the suspect, 45-year-old Derrick Cox, had kicked down the front door of the home before setting a fire in a bedroom. Meanwhile, the grandmother had fled to a neighbor’s home.
The case is being investigated by HFD’s Arson Division.
Watch the update HFD gave at the scene: