An arson arrest has been made in regard to a series of retaliatory grass fires in eastern Erath County.
In early August 2026, the Erath County Fire Marshal's Office began investigating a series of suspicious fires occurring along roadways in eastern Erath County, on CR 156 near 1188 close to Bluffdale.
Due to the circumstances surrounding these fires, the Erath County Fire Marshal's Office initiated an investigation with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Rangers Division and the Dublin Police Department.
As a result of the investigation, Dana Whitley Buckelew was identified as a suspect. During the course of the investigation, Buckelew confessed to intentionally setting three separate fires on separate days in the same area. According to the arrest affidavit, the motive for the fires could allegedly be retaliatory in nature against someone she previously dated.
Law enforcement data bases were searched, and it was determined that Ms. Buckelew was within the vicinity of each of
these fires when they were started, the affidavit states. It is noted by the District Attorney's office this database is the Flock camera system.
"But for the availability of Flock cameras to identify the perpetrator's vehicle on public roadways, the arsonist would not have been identified, apprehended, and neutralized as a threat so quickly," the DA's office noted.
On August 27, 2026, Buckelew was taken into custody in Hood County, Texas, in connection with the investigation.
The Erath County Fire Marshal's Office takes every report of a suspicious or intentionally set fire seriously.
During periods of hot and dry conditions, even a small roadside fire has the potential to spread rapidly, threatening homes, property, livestock, first responders, and the public.
"We believe the investigation and subsequent arrest prevented the potential for additional fires and more serious consequences," Erath County Fire Marshal Tommy Shelton said.
"This case also demonstrates the importance of cooperation between local and state law enforcement agencies. We appreciate the assistance provided by the Texas Rangers and the Dublin Police Department throughout this investigation," he said.
Because this remains an active criminal matter, no additional information regarding evidence will be released at this time.
Arson is a second-degree felony no matter what damage is done, or the size of the fires.