6-23-2024 3:45am

The FBI is Investigating and Offering a Reward Concerning Ruidoso Fires

Chris Edwards Editor

In our previous reporting from 6-21-24 we released information that the FBI was being called into investigate and seek the individual or individuals responsible for the Ruidoso fires.

The FBI has confirmed that it is investigating. With zero containment, the fires converging and continuing to race in a battle with multiple agencies in Southern New Mexico, 31 Miles of land scorched, 1400 plus structures damaged or lost, one confirmed death and arson is suspected as the cause.

What caused the blazes hasn’t been definitively determined, but the Southwest Coordination Center listed them as human-caused.

The Cloudcroft Reader also reported that the mayor of Cloudcroft, has claimed: “it is his understanding that the fire was intentional," and was the first to have a public official declare publicly an arson investigation was underway.

FBI special agents have joined the investigation into the cause of wildfires in New Mexico, the agency said Thursday. “I can confirm that the FBI is assisting our local, state, federal and tribal partners in the ongoing investigation of the fires in Ruidoso NM,” said a spokesperson with the bureau’s Albuquerque field office.

FBI officials have asked anyone with information on the cause of the fires to reach out to the agency by calling 1-800-225-5324 or online at tips.fbi.gov

Now the investigation is being further supported with a reward being offered. A $10,000 reward is being offered by the FBI to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrests and convictions of the person or people responsible for starting the New Mexico wildfires.

The FBI announcement of the reward Saturday, June 22, is the first time law enforcement officials have said a person or a group of people could be responsible for starting the deadly fires. Two people have died in the fires.

"The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for starting the fires," FBI Albuquerque Division officials said in a news release.

The South Fork Fire and Salt Fire started June 17 near Ruidoso, New Mexico. The fires have destroyed about 1,400 structures and left more than 8,000 people displaced with full time resident being able to access their property on Monday.

"The FBI is assisting our local, state, federal and tribal partners in the ongoing investigation of the fires near Ruidoso NM," FBI officials said to 2nd Life Media. "We are asking for the publics assistance in identifying the cause of these fires."

Anyone with information about the cause of the fires is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-225-5324 or submit the information online at tips.fbi.gov. People can also text "BIAMMU" to 847411 then "MESCALERO FIRE + the tip" or just BIAMMU to 847411 and the tip.