STATE News:

SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office / Fire Investigations Bureau, in conjunction with the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office, Valencia County Fire Department and New Mexico State Police, are conducting an active Arson Investigation within the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (Bosque). 

Starting around March 2020, approximately 18 intentionally set wildland fires within the Bosque, in the Valencia County District have caused destruction and have killed and/or injured wildlife in the area. 

These fires also have caused a tremendous amount of damage to the natural habitat, environment, and ecosystem to include endangering the lives of the general public who use this area as a place for recreation. Also within this area are citizens who have no homes, who use the Bosque as a refuge. The lives of these individuals are at great risk of being seriously injured and or killed.

The New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office has been diligently tracking several arsonists within the area in an effort to cease this destructive behavior, as these agencies believe that at any moment these fires can get out of control and spread into residential and business areas. 

The State of New Mexico is facing severe drought conditions which makes suppression efforts difficult as it also takes resources from these communities away to combat these incidents. To date, these fires have cost over $75,000 in suppression operations to combat these fires, including the use of helicopters to drop water on these fires.

The goal of the New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office is to ensure the life and safety of the citizens of New Mexico as well as preserving its natural habitat and protecting property from fires through education and public outreach.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is now asking the public for assistance in identifying the individuals responsible for these fires in the Bosque.

Contact Crime stoppers at 505.843.7867 and or the New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office at 505.827.8080.