Man Accused of Setting Fire That Injured Two Houston Firefighters

HOUSTON, TX — A man has been arrested after two Houston firefighters suffered burn injuries while battling a house fire early Thursday, August 7, in the Sunnyside community on the city’s south side.

According to the Houston Fire Department (HFD), crews responded to the residential blaze at 12:15 a.m. and worked to suppress the flames. The fire was brought under control and declared out at 12:37 a.m.

During firefighting operations, a captain and a probationary firefighter sustained burn injuries. Both were transported to Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center. The probationary firefighter has since been released, while the captain remains hospitalized.

HFD’s Arson Division determined the fire was intentionally set. Investigators allege Derrick Cox kicked down the front door of his grandmother’s home and set a bedroom on fire while she sought refuge at a neighbor’s residence.

Cox was arrested at the scene and charged with felony arson. All circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.