Editorial Note: KRQE has removed the names of the suspects reported in this article because they have not been charged.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A new investigation reveals the Salt Fire was not an accident. 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, 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, 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 stated 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. We reached out to the FBI for comment. They say due to the ongoing investigation, they cannot provide comment at this time.
The suspects are not being named since they haven’t been charged.
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