Woman suspected of starting fire in home, felt she was ‘being attacked by demons’

On Wednesday, Sept. 24, fire and police crews with the Salt Lake City Fire Department responded to a fire on the second floor of a residential building near 1200 South and 900 East.

According to court documents, the fire was put out by an on-site fire extinguisher. A behavioral therapist who responded with fire crews at the scene told police that the door to the room which contained the fire had been barricaded.

After getting the door open, crews found flames on the bed and the sole occupant of the room, Ashley Martinez, 36, inside, according to officers with Salt Lake City Fire Investigations.

Martinez allegedly left the room but was soon discovered by police in the backyard of the residence. Documents show she had been experiencing a mental health episode due to a pre-existing condition for which she had skipped medication.

Police say Martinez told officers she “felt like she was being attacked by demons,” and claimed she thought she had put the fire out.

Martinez was arrested and booking into the Salt Lake County Jail on a single charge of aggravated arson, a first-degree felony.

If you or your loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can contact the National Mental Health Hotline at (888) 786-3092