Fire truck at scene - file photo — Fire truck at scene - File Photo

A domestic dispute escalated into a house fire that displaced a family and led to an arson arrest, officials said.

Homosassa, FL – Flames tore through a home in the 4900 block of South Powell Point late Monday morning after what authorities say began as a family argument, leaving the residence heavily damaged and a 40-year-old woman in custody. Fire crews arrived shortly before 10:30 a.m. to find the structure “heavily involved in fire,” according to Citrus County Fire Rescue, and spent about an hour bringing it under control.

Investigators say evidence at the scene pointed to the fire being intentionally set. Melissa Joann Dunham is now charged with arson and remains held without bond at the Citrus County Jail, with a court appearance scheduled for April 13.

Family dispute before the fire

According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, Dunham had recently moved back into the home she shared with her husband and their son in an effort to repair the relationship. The couple had been separated, but their son told deputies his mother hoped to “rekindle” the marriage after returning to celebrate his 18th birthday.

Tensions quickly resurfaced. The son told deputies the couple resumed arguing almost immediately, with Dunham reportedly upset that her husband was not spending time with her. The affidavit states the teen chose to move out the morning of the fire to avoid what he described as a “toxic” situation. The night before the blaze, Dunham allegedly used a hammer to punch holes in the wall.

Scene evidence and witness accounts

When firefighters arrived, they encountered intense flames engulfing the home. Authorities noted a key piece of evidence at the scene: Dunham was allegedly found sitting with a bottle of lighter fluid.

The husband told deputies he was outside in his car charging his phone when he heard Dunham shout, “now we don’t have s—,” before realizing the house was on fire. He was not injured.

Dunham was later taken into custody and spoke with detectives, though details of her statement were redacted from the affidavit.

Citrus County Fire Rescue has not reported any injuries, but the home sustained significant damage.

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