Woman accused of setting fire in Burbank department store, police say

A woman was arrested in connection with a fire that was intentionally set in a department store in Burbank over the weekend, police said Thursday.

The blaze happened in the 1800 block of Empire Avenue on Sunday around 11 p.m., according to the Burbank Police Department. Customers and employees had to evacuate, and firefighters with the Burbank Fire Department quickly worked to put out the flames.

Investigators said they learned fire had started in the store’s bedding section and that no one besides the suspect was in the area at the time. No accidental ignition sources were found, police said.

A day later, 27-year-old Stephanie Irene Mendoza from San Fernando was taken into custody at a nearby hotel, officials said. She is facing a felony arson charge.

The flames caused structural damage, smoke contamination and the loss of merchandise, estimated in the millions of dollars, according to police. The store has been closed while repairs are made.

No one was seriously injured, police said.

The investigation is ongoing. Burbank police are asking anyone with information to contact their Investigations Division at 818-238-3210.