Three homes on Ivy Street burned down last week. Seven vehicles were also destroyed in the fire.
Cathy Cook | El Defensor Chieftain

 

It was 2:45 p.m. when the call came in on Tuesday of last week, but billowing black smoke could already be seen across town at the Socorro Fire Department.

“At the Fisher Street station, we could see the smoke rising from the scene,” Capt. Daniel Pacheco said.

Two engines and one ladder truck from the station responded to the call of “multiple fully involved structure fires on Ivy Street,” Pacheco said.

Two ambulances also responded. It took approximately five minutes for the first responders to get to the scene.

“By the time we arrived the fire had engulfed three residences and was threatening a fourth,” he said. “We became aware that one person needed medical assistance, and that was our first concern. Life and safety is always primary.”

As two EMTs took care of the person needing medical assistance, firefighters established a water source. Officers from the Socorro Police Department were already on the scene making sure the trailers were clear. Soon after, other fire departments began arriving.

“We were joined alongside with Midway and San Antonio Volunteer Fire Departments,” Pacheco said. “All fire crews worked efficiently and professionally during extremely high wind conditions.”

Winds were estimated to be 25-30 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.

“Together we effectively extinguished and saved surrounding properties as well as containing the fire from spreading,” he said.

By the time the fire was put out – one hour later – three homes were lost and seven vehicles had been destroyed by the fire.

“Socorro Fire Department would like to thank the efforts of all law enforcement and volunteer fire department agencies,” Pacheco said.

One person has been arrested in connection with the incident.

According to court documents, Erica Wiesen was in a domestic dispute that turned violent after the male victim, who also lived in the home, told her he was ending their 27-year relationship. In the statement, he told the officer she struck him with a heavy mug on the back of the head, causing bleeding. He stated that while he was waiting for a taxi to leave, Wiesen came running out saying she had started a fire in the trailer and then reentered the burning home. He said he had just pulled her out when officers arrived.

The complaint stated that Wiesen appeared to be high on an unknown drug and was taken into custody after being seen by medical personnel at the scene.

According to the criminal complaint, Wiesen was charged with three Class 2 felonies for arson (over $20,000), four Class 3 felonies for arson (over $2,500 but not more than $20,000), and one Class 3 felony for aggravated battery on a household member.

After being cleared for incarceration at Socorro General Hospital, Wiesen was booked into Socorro County Detention Center on the charges.

Wiesen made her first appearance before Magistrate Judge Felix Saavedra on Feb. 24. Her case has been bound over to District Court and her preliminary hearing was Wednesday in Judge Mercedes Murphy’s courtroom. Also, on Wednesday in a pre-trial detention hearing, Murphy ruled that Wiesen will be remaining behind bars.

Investigators with State Fire Marshal’s office said their investigation into the cause of the fire may take up to two weeks.