The New Mexico Fire Marshals are investigating a structure fire at occurred in Gamerco around 4:30 am Oct. 21.
In an interview with the Sun McKinley County Sheriff James Maiorano III said his deputies and McKinley County Fire Rescue were dispatched to 400 Ray Street in the early morning hours. A shed in the resident’s backyard had caught fire.
The fire did spread to the residence, but the homeowner wasn’t home at the time, so MCSO had to notify them of the situation.
The shed was reportedly damaged, but not burned or collapsed by the time the firefighters were able to put it out.
Three people were believed to have been at the residence when the fire started. Two of them have been identified, but at 4 pm MCSO deputies were still trying to find the third person.
No deaths related to the fire were reported.
Mariano said the situation has not been ruled an arson case.
He also said the house was heavily cluttered with trash, which made it difficult to determine where the fire started. There were many flammable materials spread throughout the yard.
This is an ongoing investigation, and more updates will be published when they become available.
