A Vancouver breakup turned into a full-blown patio inferno after police say a 26-year-old woman torched a bag of her ex-boyfriend’s clothes, then stuck around as the flames climbed higher.
According to KOIN, charging documents state the fire started on a patio at 2011 Brandt Dr when the woman allegedly set a bag of her former partner’s clothing on fire. Neighbors told investigators the flames shot to roughly six feet and began to singe the balcony above, prompting firefighters to respond.
Witnesses reported seeing a woman standing next to the flames who made no move to put them out, according to the station. One caller described someone in pajamas trying to "clean up" evidence after the blaze. Police arrested Wendy Johana Rodriguez Rodriguez on March 13 and booked her into the Clark County jail. She is charged with first-degree arson and is being held on $15,000 bail, with a court appearance set for Friday.
What neighbors described
Neighbors told investigators Rodriguez had ongoing issues with a former partner who had recently moved out. Several residents said they watched embers drift toward upper balconies before crews brought the fire under control, according to charging documents cited by reporters.
The same documents indicate a bag of clothing appeared to be the primary fuel. The flames grew intense enough to hit the underside of an upstairs balcony before firefighters intervened.
Legal consequences
Under Washington law, first-degree arson includes knowingly causing a fire that is manifestly dangerous to human life or starting a fire in a building while others are present, and it is classified as a class A felony. State sentencing guidance and legal resources note that class A felonies in Washington can carry maximum penalties that include life imprisonment and substantial fines, although any actual sentence would depend on prosecutorial decisions and statutory sentencing ranges. FindLaw explains the statute and potential penalties.
Court date and next steps
Rodriguez remains in custody on $15,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday. Prosecutors are expected to review fire damage, witness statements and charging documents as the case moves forward, according to KOIN.
