Arson is believed to be the preliminary cause behind a fire that occurred in the early morning hours of June 11, at 502 S. 2nd St., close to the Old Post Office, officials said.
Gallup Deputy Fire Chief Jesus Morales said at about 5:50 am that firefighters responded to a report of a door on fire at the residential structure. Morales said the two-story brick structure was engulfed in flames and a small fire was burning in the back of the home when firefighters arrived on the scene.
“A quick response and attack allowed fire personnel to extinguish the flames to the exterior,” Morales said. “There were also several small fires in the stairwell.”
Morales said the brunt of the fire damage was to the exterior side of the residence along the door frame and roof area above the front door. He said the residence was vacant at the time of the incident, adding that the first floor windows of the home were covered with plywood. A second floor window of the residence appeared to have been vandalized and broken, Morales said.
“Several empty cans of alcohol were found throughout the home,” Morales said.
DOWNTOWN TRASH CANS BURN
Morales said fire dispatch received a separate call about several trash cans downtown being on fire. He said the engine units already deployed responded to the trash can situation.
Morales said the residence initially called in was secured by the Gallup Police Department and turned over to the home owner. The home’s electricity and gas meter were disconnected for safety reasons, and police assisted in the cordoning off of lower Second Street, Morales said.
Morales did not estimate the cause of damage to the residence, saying the matter remains under investigation. There were no injuries to city firefighters in either incident, he said.
By Bernie Dotson
Sun Correspondent
