Arson Suspected In Massive Fire, Damage Is $400,000

VADO, NM — Investigators said arson is suspected in a massive fire that consumed the Big Sky Dairy Farm early Friday morning.

The blaze erupted shortly after 3:20 a.m. at the Vado, New Mexico farm. It is located south of the Vado Exit on I-10.

“The fire and the heat was intense. It was coming in through the bottom of our boots and you could feel it in your heels, the bottom of your feet, your shoulders and your neck” said ABC-7 Reporter Ken Molestina, who is volunteer firefighter and responded to the scene. “It was like standing inside of an oven.”

Capt. Kellen Tarkington of the Doa Ana County Fire and Emergency Service Department said the fire was so big crews decided to let it burn itself out. Four volunteer fire departments from Texas and New Mexico responded to the scene.

The owner of the dairy farm said two tons of hay caught fire. The total damage at the dairy farm is estimated to be $400,000. The owneradded several intentional fires have been set at the farm during the last three years.

ABC-7 is on the scene and will bring you more updates as new information becomes available.