A federal search for a pair of Vans sneakers led investigators to suspect a man and his girlfriend of potential involvement in at least six New Mexico wildfires, including the destructive Salt Fire that burned nearly 8,000 acres of land. The investigation, detailed in a recently unsealed search warrant affidavit by an FBI Special Agent, focused on 16 suspicious fires on the Mescalero Apache Reservation near Ruidoso, New Mexico, which were all determined to be “human-caused.” The fires occurred between May 3 and June 18 in a 25-square-mile area, with the Salt Fire being the most destructive and diverting resources away from the South Fork Fire, a naturally caused fire that had already caused significant damage.
Investigators found two key pieces of evidence that linked the suspected couple to the fires: a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a pair of Vans-branded sneakers. Witness reports indicated that the couple was seen driving away from one of the fires in the Jeep, which was later spotted fleeing two other fires. Additionally, a shoe impression matching the woman’s Vans sneaker was found near two of the fires. During a traffic stop less than a mile away from where the Salt Fire started, agents found the man and his girlfriend in the Jeep, with tire tread patterns matching those near the fires and the woman’s shoe print matching the impression found at the scene. The woman voluntarily gave her shoes to the FBI for further analysis.
The man in the Jeep had reported the first fire on May 3, claiming to be a wildland firefighter who had attempted to put it out. However, investigators noted a discrepancy in his reaction to the Salt Fire, as he did not attempt to report or extinguish it despite claiming in an interview that it was visible from his house. The FBI declined to comment on the ongoing investigation but had previously issued a press release in June seeking public assistance in identifying the fires. According to the National Park Service, human activities such as unattended campfires, debris burning, equipment malfunctions, and arson are responsible for nearly 85 percent of wildland fires in the U.S., with severe heat waves across the country fueling wildfires.
In light of the findings, the couple is under suspicion for their involvement in the New Mexico wildfires, with the man’s contradictory statements and the physical evidence linking them to multiple fire scenes. The investigation into the 16 fires on the Mescalero Apache Reservation highlights the collaborative efforts of multiple federal agencies in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the destructive blazes. The case underscores the importance of public vigilance in reporting suspicious activities and behaviors that could lead to wildfires, especially during times of extreme heat and dry conditions that heighten the risk of fire incidents. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the fires and hold those responsible accountable for the damage caused to the natural environment and surrounding communities.
