FRANKLIN PARISH (September 5, 2025) – State Fire Marshal (SFM) deputies have arrested a Winnsboro woman in connection with a house fire that endangered six lives, as well as a separate vehicle fire.
Raquel Thomas, 26, has been charged with six counts of Attempted First Degree Murder, two counts of Aggravated Arson, and one count of Telephone Communications/Harassment.
Shortly before 4 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the Winnsboro Fire Department responded to a residential fire in the 2100 block of Pinecrest Street. Six people were inside the home at the time of the fire.
Following a request for investigative assistance, SFM deputies determined the fire had been intentionally set. During the investigation, deputies identified Thomas as the suspect in both the house fire and the vehicle fire.
The Office of State Fire Marshal would like to thank the Winnsboro Fire Department for their prompt response and critical support in closing this case.
Anyone with additional information related to this case, or any fire-related crime, is encouraged to contact the SFM by calling the Arson Hotline at 1-844-954-1221 or submitting an anonymous tip online at lasfm.org.