Socorro Police Suspect Serial Arsonist in Mobile Home Fire

Socorro police and El Paso County fire marshals are searching for the people responsible for several fires in the area, including a “suspicious” early-morning fire that destroyed an unoccupied mobile home.

“We now have evidence that indicates a serial arsonist is on our streets,” Socorro police Lt. Joe Alvarez said. “And our investigators want to talk with those who know who it is and what’s going on.”

Socorro police responded to the mobile-home fire about 4:40 p.m. Thursday at 1083 N. Rio Vista Road in Socorro. Police said the mobile home had been unoccupied for several months, but the owners did arrive.

Erick Sodemann, an investigator for the El Paso Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office, said the fire began in the backyard by the patio. Sodeman described the fire as a low fire, meaning it began from the floor. A “sniffer” device detected hydrocarbon — a type of fuel accelerant — coming from a burnt cardboard box. The estimated damage value is $45,000.

Investigators said the fire happened in the same area and was similar to two others — one earlier that night. About two hours before the mobile-home fire, there was a fire in a desert area behind the McDonald’s on Horizon Boulevard. About 1:20 a.m. June 17, another fire was set at 10900 North Loop. The time and proximity along with other evidence indicates an arsonist, investigators said

Investigators are asking for anyone with information on the fires to call 911 or the Socorro Police Department’s non-emergency line at 915-858-6985.