YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A Yuma man accused of arson after his apartment went up in flames appeared in court Tuesday and was formally charged.

Agustin Vera, 44, is charged with nine felonies, including aggravated assault and six counts of endangerment.

The Yuma Police Department (YPD) announced that officers responded to a possible arson at an apartment complex at South Madison Avenue and East 20th Street late Saturday night.

Yuma Fire Department (YFD) found smoke and flames coming from the south side of the apartment complex, according to YPD.

YFD then evacuated those living in the apartment and prepared to extinguish the fire.

“As they were entering the scene to extinguish the fire, they got into an altercation with the person who actually lives in the apartment where the fire was located,” YPD spokeswoman Sergeant Lori Franklin said.

However, one of the apartment's residents, identified as 44-year-old Agustin Vera, blocked the way and refused to extinguish the fire, Yuma police said.

YPD firefighters were able to grab Vera and remove him from the residence as a precaution and escort him to a nearby ambulance, YPD said.

Berra was in the ambulance when he jumped out and punched a firefighter in the chest, knocking him out, before walking away on foot.

“Thankfully, even though firefighting is a dangerous job, injuries are not common,” said YFD spokesman David Padilla.

While YFD and YPD remained at the scene, Vera returned to the apartment and was arrested.

Sergeant Franklin said the conditions made their job difficult.

“They're doing their best, we're doing our best, but you know you're attacking first responders,” Sergeant Franklin said.

YPD said damage to the apartment was limited to the area outside the back door and door frame.

Berra is currently being held on $100,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court again next month.

If you or anyone else has information about this incident, please remain anonymous by contacting YPD at (928) 783-4421 or 78-CRIME (928) 782-7463.