By Tiffany Williams –
WORCESTER, Mass. — A chaotic late-night fire at a Worcester rooming house has now turned into a felony criminal case after investigators say a woman ran back into the burning building while firefighters were trying to rescue trapped residents from heavy smoke and flames.
According to Worcester District Court records, 37-year-old Sarah Beth Martinez is now facing two felony charges tied to the fire response on May Street, including obstructing firefighting operations and interfering with firefighters, after police said she ran barefoot back into the burning multi-family building during the emergency.
The fire erupted late Wednesday night at the three-story home on May Street, where Worcester firefighters arrived to find flames pushing through hallways and windows as residents attempted to escape the building.
Authorities said the scene quickly became chaotic as firefighters and police worked to determine who was still trapped inside. Multiple rescues were carried out during the intense response, with firefighters pulling several people from the structure while battling dangerous smoke and fire conditions.
Police said Martinez suddenly ran back into the burning building “for an unknown reason” while first responders were still conducting rescue operations inside.
Two Worcester police officers were able to reach her and remove her from the building before placing her under arrest at the scene.
Court records show Martinez was arraigned Thursday morning before Judge Jaclyn Greenhalgh in Worcester District Court, where she pleaded not guilty to all charges. She was released on personal recognizance.
In addition to the two felony charges, Martinez is also facing misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace and resisting arrest.
Officials also said Martinez had two outstanding warrants at the time of the incident.
The fire left multiple people hospitalized, including a firefighter who suffered minor injuries during the response. One resident suffered serious injuries while several others sustained minor injuries. Fifteen people were displaced after the fire left the building unlivable.
Court records indicate prosecutors filed a statement of facts connected to the case following Martinez’s arrest. A probable cause hearing is now scheduled for July 2, 2026, in Worcester District Court.
Meanwhile, investigators continue working to determine what caused the fast-moving fire that tore through the May Street building late Wednesday night.