Montgomery County, Tx December, 28 2009:
Megan Dirk
Brandon Wilson
Just after 7:30 on Sunday morning, December 27th, The New Caney Fire Department responded to a residential fire in the 24000 block of FM 1485, east of Loop 494. Firefighters arrived to find a single-wide mobile home heavily involved in fire. New Caney firefighters were backed up by units from Porter, Splendora and Grangerland. The fire destroyed much of the home and its contents. Two New Caney Firefighters were injured when they initially entered the home to conduct a search and extinguish the fire. They were both treated at the scene by MCHD EMS for 1st and 2nd degree burn injuries.
Investigator J. Manz responded to the scene from the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office. MCFMO Investigators are Peace Officers who investigate the cause of all structure fires in unincorporated Montgomery County. During his initial scene examination, Investigator Manz identified elements of a working methamphetamine manufacturing operation. The Montgomery County Special Investigations Unit responded to assist, and subsequently requested additional assistance from Texas Department of Public Safety Methamphetamine Initiative Group (MIG ).
The investigation continued throughout the day, and though the occupants of the home had fled prior to the arrival of Law Enforcements, they were identified and eventually taken into custody. 44 yr old Brandon Eric Wilson returned to the scene during the investigation and was detained. He was subsequently charged with a 1st degree Felony, for manufacturing over 200 grams.
23 yr old Megan Michelle Dirk did not return until later, after MCSO and DPS units had left the scene. Investigator Manz was still on scene in an unmarked vehicle, and was able to identify her as one of the home’s occupants. MCSO units responded again to assist and she was also detained and charged with 1st degree Felony Manufacturing of a Controlled Substance, over 200 grams.
MCFMO Investigators are trained in essentially the same manner as other Law Enforcement Officers, in addition to specialized fire investigation training. Several MCFMO Officers, including Investigator Manz, had recently attended training provided by the Sheriff’s Department on the latest techniques used in illegal manufacturing operations such as this one.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. The injured firefighters have returned to duty.
For more information on the Fire Dept operation contact the New Caney Fire Dept at 281-689-3112. For more info about the MCSO Investigation, contact the Special Investigations Unit.
