The fire broke out at the Palace Inn in the 14000 block of Gulf Freeway on December 23, 2013, damaging multiple units. Arson investigators determined the fire was intentionally started on the bed in room 207, with a pack of matches on the nightstand that had one match missing.
Blake Daniel Fischer, 26, had rented the room and was shown on surveillance video as being the last person to leave the room, court documents state. A witness told authorities Fischer told her he had left the motel a "surprise" when he left.
The fire caused an estimated $10,000 worth in damage. Fischer has been charged with arson. No bond has been set in the case.
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