On the evening of August 20, 2024, at 8:47 PM, Wylie Fire Rescue (WFR) responded to a reported structure fire at Redwood Mobile Home Park. A neighbor reported seeing flames in the front window of a mobile home, prompting the emergency call. At the time of the report, WFR was also managing two major accidents involving injuries. Despite these simultaneous incidents, units from WFR, the Sachse Fire Department (SFD), and the Wylie Police Department (WPD) promptly responded to the fire.
The Wylie Police Department arrived first and conducted an initial size-up of the scene. The first fire unit to arrive initiated an offensive fire attack, working quickly to control the blaze. The fire was brought under control within 21 minutes from the time of dispatch.
The homeowner was not home during the incident. However, she indicated that she believed her boyfriend, identified as 46-year-old Kevin Ragsdale of McKinney, may have started the fire. The Wylie Fire Marshal’s Office immediately launched an investigation, with support from the Wylie Police Department and the Rockwall Fire Marshal Canine Unit. Additional support was provided by Wylie Police, including their Community Relations Officer, Crime Scene Unit, Digital Forensics team, and on-scene patrol officers.
While crews were still on the scene of the fire, information was received from Wylie Communications that Ragsdale was in the custody of the Princeton Police Department. The Wylie Criminal Investigations Division obtained a warrant for Ragsdale, charging him with Violation of Bond Conditions. Ragsdale was arrested and transported to the Wylie Jail. A subsequent warrant was obtained, charging Ragsdale with arson of a habitation.
The fire caused significant damage to the residence due to heat and smoke. No injuries were reported. The Wylie Fire Marshal’s Office is continuing its investigation.
The response to the incident included one ambulance, six fire apparatus, four Fire Chiefs, two Fire Prevention officers, one accelerant detection canine, and three police officers.
