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As tragedy continues in the Ruidoso area with continued weekly flooding from the fire scar and damages continuing to grow as a result of the fires, the FBI confirms that "the FBI has determined more than a dozen fires, including the Salt Fire, were human-caused."
Nearly two months after the Salt Fire destroyed thousands of acres of land, ans damages continuing to mount weekly as a result of the aftermath of the fires, the FBI is currently investigating a man and his girlfriend for possibly starting 16 fires, including the devastating Salt Fire.
Court documents said there were 16 suspicious wildland fires that started on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation between May 3 and June 18. Wildland fire investigators determined all 16 were human-caused. The investigation linked the couple to at least six of these fires.
According to the document as reported by KQRE, the male initially called in to report a fire in May telling officers he was a wildland firefighter and was trying to put the fire out. It even said that prior to being asked by officers, the suspect told them he didn’t start the fire.
Witness and officer testimony claim that the male was seen either heading towards or leaving the direction of multiple other fires on the Reservation days later. Footprints of a Vans brand shoe were also found at scenes that matched his girlfriend’s shoes.
Based on evidence, investigators also believe the suspects came back to the scene after one fire was extinguished. FBI investigators were able to link a dark-colored Jeep and tire tracks, which matched the description of the female’s car.
A search warrant application reveals that law enforcement is investigating a string of suspicious wildfire starts in the area since early May, an investigation that “intensified” when the FBI became involved after the South Fork and Salt fires began, according to the warrant application.
Since May 3, there have been 16 “suspicious” wildfire starts in a 25-square mile area, including the Salt Fire, on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, according to the warrant application.
Among the “suspicious” wildfires are four that occurred between June 16 and 18 near the Salt Fire ignition location and burned less than a quarter-acre.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs confirmed last week to Source New Mexico that the causes of those four other fires, known as the Penn Scott Fire, the 244 Penn Scott Fire, the Carrizo Fire and the Trails Fire, were being investigated along with the Salt Fire.
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact the FBI's Toll-Free tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). You may also contact your local FBI office.
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