Cause of Fire in Melbourne Apartments Believed to be Arson
Tuesday evening, around 7:00pm, a fire was reported at a Melbourne apartment complex. The official report states that the fire, which was located at the Park Village Apartment (2951 Park Village Way), was noticed by several different individuals who all called 911 as soon as possible. Due to their vigilance, the Melbourne Fire Department (as well as Melbourne’s Police Department) were able to respond in enough time to prevent the fire from becoming out of control and destroying the entire apartment complex.
When they arrived, the first thing the emergency response team did was evacuate all adjoining apartments. Then the fire rescue team extinguished the blaze. Fortunately, they were able to perform their duties with enough skill and speed that no one suffered any injuries. After the initial blaze was subdued, the police began investigating into the causes of the fire. Immediately, witnesses came forward to report that the owner of the unit where the fire began (Jennifer Mae Wayne, 26) was seen leaving her apartment around the same time as the first signs of a blaze revealed themselves. These witnesses also indicated that although the blaze was soon clearly visible, the woman made no move to report the incident or battle the flames.
The police department began searching for Wayne, finding her without much trouble at a subdivision located near to the apartment complex. Wayne was arrested on the spot. Currently, she is behind bars at the Brevard County Detention Center with bail set at $15,500. Wayne faces several counts of arson as well as other possible charges as the investigation continues.
At this time it is not known why Wayne would start a fire in her apartment complex, nor why she would leave without alerting any of the authorities to its existence. Her behavior placed scores of other lives at risk and resulted in the substantial damaging of homes and private property. The gross negligence of Wayne, while not nearly as destructive and devastating as it could have been, has caused a severe interruption in the lives of her neighbors, many of whom will likely seek restitution for the damages incurred.
Read More:
Melbourne Police Department Arrest 26-Year-Old Woman For Arson After Apartment Fire
Woman accused of setting fire at her Melbourne apartment
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.