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C&T Friends
CHAMA, N.M. – Fire Investigator Sammy Anaya filed his initial report on the Lobato Trestle fire of June 23 last week. The most significant finding is really a non-finding – to wit, the fire is of undetermined origin. However, Anaya largely rules out the possibility of arson or vandalism.
“Access to the Lobato Trestle is by railroad only or on foot,” he wrote. “The Lobato Trestle is located in a somewhat remote area. No evidence of vehicles driving over the tall grass prior to fire department’s arrival.”

He goes on to note that the fire patrol that follows the train reported a total of six spot fires in the wake of the train’s passage that day, including one fairly close to the trestle. He noted that the log of the fire patrolman affirmed that there was a grass fire at the Lobato Trestle on May 22.

“I cannot rule out the train as being as not being a possible ignition source for this fire,” Anaya wrote. He went on to rule out lightning, and said there was no evidence of fireworks found at the scene. “The fire originated in the railroad ties, or the wooden walkway, or the barrier guards in or about the center of the bridge span. Investigation is open and ongoing.”