Alamosa vehicle fire deemed arson

ALAMOSA — The Alamosa Police Department is investigating a Monday evening vehicle fire in the 2100 block of Thomas Avenue as arson, according to Alamosa Fire Chief Don Chapman.

Chapman said firefighters were called to a fully engulfed Dodge pickup at that site Monday evening. The fire had begun in the passenger side of the vehicle, and the vehicle was totally destroyed in the fire, Chapman said.

“We determined it was arson,” the chief said, “and turned the investigation over to the police department.”

Chief Chapman said the fire department has been busy so far this year averaging about a call a day between fires, auto accidents and other incidents.

On Saturday about 10:55 a.m. the department responded to a structure fire at 6640 Blanca Vista Lane. Chapman said the occupants were at home at the time and noticed the smoke, so the fire department was called right away, and damage to the house was not as extensive as it could have been. There was some light smoke damage and some damage in the roof rafters.

The fire had begun in a pellet stove chimney and caught some insulation on fire.