Serving the High Plains

Fire investigations continue

No arrest have been made in the arson investigation of the May 21 fire at the Tucumcari Animal Hospital, which claimed the lives of over 50 animals, said State Police Lt. Lance Bateman.

Bateman said state police investigators are still following up on tips and awaiting lab results taken from the scene.

He said state police are working in conjunction with the Tucumcari Police Department to resolve this case.

Tucumcari Police Chief Jason Braziel said the department and state police are working to determine if the animal hospital fire has a connection to other recent suspicious fires in Tucumcari.

Braziel said the between the fire set on May 8 at the historic Sands-Dorsey building and the animal hospital on May 21, a vacant lot and building on East Heman Avenue were burnt.

"No additional suspicious fires have been reported," said Tucumcari Fire Chief Mike Cherry.

Cherry said a earlier fire set on April 16 at the state probation office is being investigated as arson while the cause of fires at the historic Sands-Dorsey, vacant lot and building are still under investigation.