Arson investigators have investigated a fire that destroyed eight apartment units in the Cielo Vista area in East El Paso, authorities said.
Firefighters responded to a condition 3 fire Aug. 1 at the Celina Plaza apartments at 8500 Viscount Blvd., El Paso Fire Department officials said.
The fire was quickly contained and extinguished, preventing further damage to the apartment complex, officials said. The fire damaged eight apartment units and displaced 20 residents. The displaced residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross organization.
No injuries were reported in the fire.
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An investigation by the El Paso Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the “cause of the fire was the act of one or multiple individuals. ” Investigators are still determining whether the fire was started intentionally or accidentally.
Investigators are asking for the public’s help. Anyone with information about the fire is urged to call the El Paso Fire Marshal’s Office at 915-212-5600 and ask for the investigations division.
No further information has been released.
Arsonist arrested in Celina Plaza Apartments fire in 2020
An arsonist was arrested in April 2020 in connection with a fire at the Celina Plaza apartments, the El Paso Times reported.
Kyle James Yeazle was arrested in connection with the 2020 fire on a felony charge of arson of a habitation. Yeazle was accused of setting fire to a building at the Celina Plaza apartments on April 6, 2020, fire officials said at the time of that fire.
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No injuries were reported in the fire.
Yeazle pleaded guilty to one count of arson intended to damage a habitation in November 2020, court records show. He was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to do 300 hours of community service.
Free smoke alarms available to community members
El Paso Fire Department officials are working to remind community members of the importance of having working smoke alarms in their homes.
“A functioning smoke alarm can provide an early warning that can be lifesaving in an emergency,” officials said.
Residents interested in learning more about the El Paso Fire Department’s free smoke alarm program are encouraged to visit ElPasoFire.org or call 311, officials said.
Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Marshals investigating possible arson at East El Paso apartments fire
