Park building torched
Arson suspected in weekend fire at Red Rock that gutted structure

By Pamela G. Dempsey
Staff Writer

A Gallup Police detective searches for clues near a maintenance building at Red RockPpark that was heavily damaged in a fire that started late Saturday evening. The building is behind the convention center and near the entrance to the Pyramid Rock trail. [Photo by Julie Peña/Independent]

GALLUP — A little gasoline cost Red Rock Park $25,000 during the weekend.

Gallup Fire Department and Gallup Police Department responded late Saturday night at Red Rock Park to a burning maintenance building located behind Red Rock Park's arena. The structure was filled with tools and equipment for the park.

The fire is believed to be arson.

Capt. James Herrera of the Gallup Fire Department said that the call came in around 10 p.m. Saturday.

County fire units White Cliffs, Whispering Cedars, and Fort Wingate also responded.

Because there was no water hydrant close by, the county units established a water shuttle, filling tanks at a hydrant in the nearby parking lot.

Herrera said that evidence found at the scene, such as the empty two and half-gallon gasoline container, indicates that a person or persons broke into a nearby fuel shed on the same property.

Herrera said that the suspect or suspects possibly filled the gas can as many as three times and dumped it into the tool part of the maintenance building.

"It looks like arson with gas," Herrera said.

Officers blocked off the drive into Red Rock Park's parking lot and the dirt road leading into the arena Saturday night.

The fire was contained within 15 minutes, but due to the late hour, an officer was placed on duty throughout the night to secure the area.

The Gallup Fire Department and Gallup Police Department continued their investigation of the scene Sunday morning until about 2:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon.

Herrera said there were no injuries.

The type of fire, he said, "was fairly unusual."

Gallup Police Department investigation into the suspects is still ongoing, Herrera said.

Estimated damages total $25,000.

Herrera said officials have no motive for the fire at this time.