The early-morning blaze damaged four units and displaced 24 residents, including 11 children, Dallas Fire-Rescue said.
DALLAS, TX — A 33-year-old Dallas man has been charged with arson after investigators said he intentionally started a fire at an Oak Cliff apartment complex following a domestic dispute, forcing two dozen residents from their homes.
Raydrick Lee was injured in the fire and taken to a hospital before he was booked into the Dallas County Jail on a felony arson charge, according to Dallas Fire-Rescue. Authorities said no other injuries were reported. The fire damaged four units at the Buena Vista Apartments in southwest Oak Cliff.
Firefighters were dispatched at about 12:27 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14, to the apartment complex in the 3900 block of Altoona Drive. Crews arrived to find heavy flames coming from the front and side of a two-story apartment building, according to fire officials.
Firefighters worked for nearly two hours before bringing the blaze under control. Dallas Fire-Rescue said the fire was declared extinguished at 1:55 a.m. The four affected units sustained moderate to significant damage from the blaze.
Investigators later determined that the fire was intentionally set, Dallas Fire-Rescue said. Authorities said Lee started the fire after a domestic dispute. Officials have not publicly released details about what led to the dispute, and the allegation against Lee has not been proven in court.
Lee suffered injuries to his upper body that authorities described as not life-threatening. He was transported to a hospital for treatment before his arrest and booking. Authorities identified the charge as arson involving a habitation.
All 24 residents of the affected apartments escaped safely, according to fire officials. Those displaced included 13 adults and 11 children. The American Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance to the residents after they were unable to return to their homes.
The fire left the residents dealing with damage from flames, smoke and water while investigators worked to establish how the blaze began. Officials have not released an estimated dollar amount for the damage or said when the affected apartments could again be occupied.
Lee remained the person charged in connection with the fire as authorities continued handling the case. No additional arrests or injuries had been announced, and further details about the circumstances preceding the fire had not been released.
Author note: Last updated August 16, 2026.