A Florida woman, Heather Jo England, has been arrested and charged with first-degree arson after allegedly setting fire to her boyfriend’s house, following through on a threat she made in a Facebook Live video. The fire, which occurred on March 23, 2024, in Clearwater, Florida, originated in a shed outside the house, though Clearwater Fire and Rescue crews were able to contain the flames before they spread to the main residence.
The Threat and the Fire
According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, England, 55, was identified as the suspect after an anonymous tip led investigators to a Facebook Live video. In the video, England reportedly said she would “huff and puff and blow his house down,” a clear reference to her intent to burn down her boyfriend’s home.
The home in question belonged to England’s boyfriend’s grandmother, though he occasionally stayed in the shed on the property. The fire started in the shed, and fire crews worked to minimize damage to the primary structure.
Investigating the Arson
Police investigated further by reviewing surveillance footage, which allegedly showed England’s car fleeing the scene moments before the fire started. Officers also spoke to an acquaintance at a dog park, who claimed England admitted to setting the fire in retaliation for her boyfriend allegedly stealing from her.
In the arrest affidavit, police revealed that England confessed to setting the fire, stating that she used a green camping-style propane tank with a torch attachment. She reportedly used the propane torch to set fire to a camping cot inside the shed, which then ignited the structure.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
England was arrested on Thursday and taken to the Pinellas County Jail, where she remains on a $150,000 bond. As of now, her next court date has not been scheduled.
Her actions have left authorities shocked, as the incident followed through on her explicit threat made online, showing the dangerous consequences of threats made in the heat of anger.
