Photo: Lew Sterrett Jail
A Texas woman has been arrested and charged with arson after allegedly confessing to setting a fire that resulted in the death of a man and his three dogs, according to officials. The flames rapidly spread throughout a mobile home park, destroying multiple homes and vehicles.
Mirsa Lopez, 38, was identified as the suspect by the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department in a statement shared on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Jail records indicate that Lopez has been charged with arson with intent to damage habitat. It is unclear whether she has entered a plea or retained an attorney to represent her.
The fire broke out in a mobile home park in Northwest Dallas early on Saturday morning, Oct. 12. Firefighters responded to the scene around 6:30 a.m. and discovered flames engulfing the back of one of the homes and two nearby vehicles. According to an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by Fox 4 Dallas, Lopez allegedly started the fire at the residence of a man she had been in a relationship with, upset after being denied entry into his home.
Gary Fischer, the homeowner, told authorities that Lopez wanted to use his bathroom, but he refused to let her inside. Moments later, he heard a loud noise and saw the fire. “I saw fire coming in the top, top of the window and smoke filling the room quick,” Fischer recounted to NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth. “I mean, I could hardly breathe.”
Witnesses reported seeing Lopez sitting outside the burning mobile home in a chair, according to the affidavit cited by Fox 4. The flames quickly intensified, leading the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department to issue a second-alarm response, with additional units called to the scene to assist in controlling the fire.
The fire, which raged for over two hours, spread to at least four mobile homes and four vehicles. Tragically, firefighters discovered an unresponsive man inside one of the homes. He was treated at the scene and transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Additionally, three dogs perished in the fire.
The department’s statement noted that the fire was finally declared extinguished at 8:40 a.m., but the damage was extensive. At least 11 people were displaced, and the American Red Cross was contacted to provide aid to those affected.
Lopez allegedly admitted to investigators that she started the fire by using a lighter to ignite a plastic bag, according to the affidavit obtained by WFAA. She also confessed that she did not attempt to put out the fire after it started. The motive behind her actions reportedly stemmed from her frustration at being denied entry into the home.
Fischer’s home suffered significant damage in the blaze, but he expressed that the most heartbreaking loss was that of his two beloved dogs. “They weren’t there at the door,” Fischer told NBC 5. “I expected both of them to be right there.” The investigation remains ongoing as authorities piece together the full details of the incident.
