Savannah Woman Sentenced to 7 Years for Arson That Injured Four

SAVANNAH, Ga. — A Chatham County woman has been sentenced to federal prison after admitting she set a fire at a boarding house that injured multiple residents, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Georgia.

Tamekia Mumford, 50, of Savannah, was sentenced to 84 months in prison after pleading guilty to arson resulting in personal injury. She was also ordered to pay $2,190 in restitution and will serve five years of supervised release following her prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to prosecutors, the fire occurred around 7:31 a.m. on Oct. 21, 2024, at a boarding house on Capital Street that housed as many as 25 residents.

Firefighters responding to the scene encountered residents who had already evacuated, with some assisting in rescuing others from the building. One person was transported to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center for treatment of smoke inhalation, while three others were treated for injuries sustained while escaping the fire.

Investigators said security footage showed Mumford lighting a mattress outside an open kitchen window before entering the home and retrieving additional materials to fuel the fire. Authorities said she did not alert residents, many of whom were asleep, as flames and smoke spread into the building.

Witnesses reported that Mumford stood outside during the incident, flicking a lighter and making statements about the house.

“Arson is a senseless and often deadly crime,” said U.S. Attorney Margaret E. Heap, noting that the outcome could have been far worse without the quick response from firefighters.

The case was investigated by the Savannah Fire Department Arson Unit, the Savannah Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.