A fire that destroyed several apartments in the Sharpstown area, southwest of Houston, is being investigated as arson, after authorities determined it was started intentionally.

The fire started around 10 p.m. on Friday, July 4, in a three-story building located on Dunlap Street near Bellaire Boulevard. The Houston Fire Department (HFD) said they initially responded to a report of an assault, but upon arrival found the apartment engulfed in flames.

Firefighters rescued four people, including a mother and her 13-year-old daughter, who were taken to Texas Children's Hospital for injuries. Another person managed to escape by jumping from a balcony.

The arson suspect, identified as Henry Gumercindo Banegas Estrada, also suffered severe burns and was hospitalized. According to court documents, Estrada allegedly poured a flammable liquid inside the apartment and then lit a combustible material on the stove, causing the fire that affected at least three units and endangered several people.

The Fire Department reported that no firefighters were injured during the rescue efforts. The investigation is ongoing.