A woman from Texas has been taken into custody after allegedly igniting multiple fires using Molotov cocktails in a city near Dallas, according to police reports.

The Commerce Police Department announced that they were investigating a series of fires that erupted across Commerce, Texas, over a span of 36 hours the previous week. This small city, lying roughly 70 miles northeast of Dallas, found itself in the midst of an unexpected string of arson incidents.

On a Saturday night, an officer on patrol noticed a blaze at Centennial Park and observed a suspicious individual departing the scene. The officer approached the woman, identified as Jamia Howell, and found her in possession of nine homemade explosive devices, widely recognized as Molotov cocktails, which she carried in her backpack.

Subsequently, Jamia Howell was apprehended and now faces charges of arson and possessing a prohibited weapon. The Commerce Police Department emphasized the seriousness of the offenses, highlighting the potential risk to public safety and property.

This unsettling episode serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required to maintain community safety and the critical role of law enforcement in responding swiftly to potential threats. The investigation continues as authorities seek to understand the full scope of Howell’s actions.

Authorities say Jamia Howell was seen leaving a fire in Centennial Park on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. (Google Maps)

Officers also discovered a lighter and additional items used to make explosive devices inside Howell’s backpack, police said. 

While in custody, Howell allegedly made comments admitting to “testing” numerous Molotov cocktails at numerous locations within Commerce.

Authorities had been investigating a series of blazes throughout the city over the course of a 36-hour window, including one at Centennial Park in Commerce, Texas on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. (Google Maps)

A Molotov cocktail consists of a homemade explosive device typically made using a glass bottle filled with flammable liquid and a cloth wick.

Howell was transported to the local jail and is charged with arson and possession of a prohibited weapon. Authorities added that additional charges are possible as the investigation remains ongoing. 

The Commerce Police Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

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