Trending Topics

Criminal charges filed in line-of-duty death of Houston firefighter

Investigators have filed arson charges related to the death of Firefighter Marcelo Garcia during a warehouse fire

By Bill Carey
FireRescue1

HOUSTON — The Houston Fire Department announced on Nov. 9 that criminal charges have been filed in connection with the line-of-duty death of Houston Firefighter Marcelo Garcia, who was killed in a wall collapse while fighting a warehouse fire.

Yesenia Mendez, 38, is facing a first-degree arson charge. Investigators say Mendez started a fire that led to Garcia’s death, KHOU reported.


Firefighter Marcelo Garcia succumbed to injuries from a wall collapse during a warehouse fire

“This charge is the first step in a long healing process for the firefighters of this city,” Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz said.

Mendez is not currently in custody.

Funeral arrangements for Garcia are pending.

Trending
Officials called the fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber a mass-casualty event in Searsmont
Communities in wildfire-prone areas must now follow new construction standards, though some local leaders worry about rising rebuilding and enforcement costs
Athens’ new black-and-gold “Screamin’ Eagles” fire engine honors the local high school
Retired Kalispell firefighter Alan “Gus” Gustafson has spent decades preserving artifacts, including a 1925 American LaFrance pumper he once rode