Woman Allegedly Set Own Home on Fire

The Red Cross is helping fire victims of the Mandalay Palms Apartments

Police believe a woman is allegedly responsible for setting her apartment on fire in Dallas Monday morning.

Fire crews rushed to put out the flames at the Mandalay Palms Apartments on Chesterfield Drive at about 1 a.m.  Officers believe a woman may have started a fire in her own apartment. Dallas Fire-Rescue arson investigators are looking into the cause of the fire.

Dallas firefighters quickly fought the flames to put out the fire in the second floor, two-story apartment building.

Residents said one of their neighbors had been acting strange lately and they immediately blamed her for the blaze. 

Neighbors said they’ve noticed a change in the woman’s behavior over the past few days.

During the fire, police found the 59-year old-in the parking lot, detained her, and took her to the hospital for psychological evaluation.

The woman’s son, Amaud Wright, came home to find the apartment on fire and said his mom’s behavior was bizarre.

Wright can’t understand why his mom would start a fire in the apartment they share, that destroyed their home.

“I was shocked," said Wright. "Everything is burned up inside of the house.  I can’t believe it.  She’s at the hospital, they took her to the hospital.  Hopefully she’ll get well.  I don’t know what’s going on.  She’s been taking medication, it could be too much medication, too strong."

Police are investigating the woman's role in the fire, but officers said getting her medical attention was the priority.

Some of the surrounding homes have smoke and water damage, including the daughter's apartment of the alleged arsonist who lives next door. 

Wright said he apologized to his neighbors.  “I’m sorry," Wright said. "I told them sorry.  They understand, they’re mostly concerned what happened to us."

Investigators are looking into the official cause of the fire.

The Red Cross is helping the fire victims.

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