AlamogordoTownNews.com Arson Investigation In Dilapidated Hotel Fire

According to Alamogordo Fire press release confirming AlamogordoTownNews.com news stories on the dilapidation of the building and potential arson the department has confirmed those details.

”The Department was dispatched to a commercial structure fire at 1401 South White Sands Blvd at approximately 1146 hours.

Mutual Aide was requested from Otero County Emergency Services and after extensive firefighting operations, the fire was extinguished. No exposures were damaged, several nearby restaurants had to be evacuated and subsequently were shut down into the evening. No civilian injuries have been reported.

One Otero County Firefighter was treated on scene for minor heat related injuries. Heavy equipment was utilized to overhaul the fire area, as there were many hotspots that were extinguished throughout the night.

The scene was turned over to the Alamogordo Fire Department Fire Investigations Unit on May 30th, 2022, at 0700 hours. The FIU took the lead on the Origin and Cause Investigation and requested assistance from the New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office and Alamogordo Police Department.

Approximately 40,000 Square feet of the building sustained heavy fire damage. The remaining portions of the building sustained smoke, heat, and water damage. A total dollar amount loss is still pending.

This commercial structure was formerly a hotel and has been vacant for at least a decade. Accelerated fire spread was attributed to the dilapidated status of the building.

While the investigation is still ongoing the fire has been classified as Incendiary in nature.

If you have any information related to this fire incident including firsthand witness statements, photos, or videos before the arrival of emergency responders, we ask that you contact the Alamogordo Police Department or the Alamogordo Fire Department Fire Investigations Unit.

Contact for this Release

William Skaggs

AFD Fire Investigations Unit Leader

Fire Investigator & Inspector

575-635-7589

WSkaggs@ci.alamogordo.nm.u

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