March 1 fire caused gas leak

Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue responded to a structure fire on March 1 in the 600 block of Pontiac Drive and it was later discovered the a gas leak was caused by the fire.

“Upon arrival the residence was confirmed to be fully involved with fire. Due to a previous fire at this location and the lack of structural integrity of the home, crews immediately began extinguishing the fire from the outside preventing an extension to the neighboring homes or vegetation. The fire was extinguished without incident,” Chief James DeFillippo said at the time.

In an incident report filed by RRFR, the incident is detailed.

According to the report, fire and rescue arrived to a house “fully involved in fire” as Chief DeFillippo said. It reads that a large amount of smoke was present in the surrounding neighborhood. There was a risk to adjacent houses but the crews were able to put the fire out before it extended to other structures. Rescue attempted to find an owner that supposedly sleeps in either a tent or camper in the back yard on the property but were unsuccessful.

Gas was found to be leaking after the fire was extinguished, the cause of the leak was due to the large amount of fire and heat coming from the residence, which melted the seals on the shut off valve. NM gas was called to scene to secure the gas to this residence.

Crews Retreated to safe distance when this was discovered and NM Gas was requested to the scene. Notes in the report explain once NM Gas arrived on scene it was discovered that the fire had melted the seals on the shut off valve causing the leak. The valve was replaced by NM Gas with crews manning a handline while job was being completed.

The report notes that a gas line that had been previously disconnected by New Mexico Gas Co. was leaking natural gas from the line that would feed the residence.

The fire marshals office was notified as well because the residence had caught fire multiple times.

“After concluding my investigation, using all the facts obtained on the scene, the previous actions of the owner, and witness statements, it is the opinion of this investigator that the cause of the fire is incendiary. I have ruled out any possibility of the gas supply being the cause due to the prior condition of the gas line and inspection from NM gas representatives on-site. This case will remain open and kept on file with the Rio Rancho Fire Marshal’s Office pending an insurance investigation and possible criminal investigation,” the Marshal said.