FBI believes a man and a woman started damaging wildfires in New Mexico
NEW MEXICO – Investigators with the FBI suspect that some of the devastating wildfires in New Mexico may have been man-made.
According to a report from NBC, the FBI identified a man and a woman as possible suspects in six wildfires earlier this year, including the Salt Wildfire near Ruidoso.
The investigation, which began in May, focused on 16 wildfires deemed “suspicious.” Other agencies joined the effort after the Salt Wildfire escalated, burning more than 7,000 acres on the Mescalero Apache Reservation.
Investigators noted that resources had to be diverted from the South Fork Wildfire to the Salt Wildfire. A separate probe determined that the South Fork Wildfire was caused by lightning. The blaze resulted in two fatalities and the destruction of over 1,400 structures.
The Salt Wildfire ignited approximately two hours after the initial reports of the South Fork Wildfire.
Key evidence in the Salt Wildfire investigation includes a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a pair of Vans sneakers. Investigators discovered a print from the Vans sneakers, featuring the unique waffle pattern on the sole, near two of the fires.
Witnesses reported seeing the Jeep driving away from multiple fires in the area. An agent from the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Office of Justice Services later pulled over the Jeep, finding the man and woman inside.
The tire tracks from the Jeep and the woman’s Vans sneakers matched impressions found near the fires. The woman reportedly voluntarily handed over her shoes to the FBI as evidence.
On May 3, the man reportedly called in a wildfire, claiming to be a wildland firefighter and that he had attempted to extinguish it. However, investigators found his behavior suspicious regarding the Salt Wildfire. He told investigators he had seen the fire from his home but did not attempt to report it.
As of July 22, the fires remain under investigation.
