One Killed in Kirtland Fire

Friday, January 29, 2021 at 12:50 PM

(Courtesy: San Juan County Fire Department)

Despite lifesaving measures performed at the scene, the person rescued from the burning home could not be saved.

From San Juan County

Friday, January 29, 2021

At 7:39 am on January 29, 2021, San Juan County Fire Department was dispatched to a house on fire on County Road 6480 in Kirtland. Members of San Juan County Fire District 1 and District 4 responded with additional mutual aid from the Farmington Fire Department.

Crews arrived to find a single wide mobile home 75% involved in flames. Evacuated occupants told firefighters that there was an additional occupant suspected to be still inside the structure.

Crews made an initial attack on the fire and were able to knock the fire down to be able to perform a primary search. During the course of the search of the structure, crews located an individual inside.

Lifesaving measures were attempted, however, the person was not able to be saved.

The fire was put out and crews will be on scene much of the day to mop up.

Five additional occupants of the home were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

The home is a total loss.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the San Juan County Joint Fire and Explosion Investigation Task Force, including members of the San Juan County Fire Department and San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.

There is no additional information available at this time.

More from Local News

Woman's Husband Arrested for Kirtland Killing

Through the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that Lauren Patterson’s husband, Jess Patterson, had previously resided in California and had been arrested at least 6 times for domestic violence in that state and had been arrested in July 2026 in New Mexico for battering Ms. Patterson. An autopsy revealed Ms. Patterson suffered multiple broken bones, bruising, and internal injuries.
Farmington to host Public Meeting on Data Centers

The meeting will be held from 6=8 p.m. on Wednesday, October, 21, 2026. Participants are encouraged to submit questions ahead of time via an online submission form at farmingtonnm.gov/data-center. City staff will organize these inputs to ensure the most frequently asked questions are directly addressed during the main presentation.
APS Extends Life of Four Corners Power Plant

Arizona Public Service (APS) has announced it's decision to extend the operation of the Four Corners Power Plant (FCPP) beyond 2031. Navajo Transitional Energy Company's Navajo Mine provides the necessary coal for the operation of the plant and is positioned to meet the needs of FCPP well into the future.
Three Die in Newcomb area Flood

Two adults and a juvenile were found to have drowned and were pronounced deceased. The incident remains under investigation.
Assault Suspect Fatally Shot in Kirtland

Deputies made multiple commands to stop and drop the knife, however, the suspect ignored the commands and continued moving towards the deputies with the knife. A deputy discharged his sidearm, striking the suspect. Immediate life-saving aid was rendered to the suspect, but he ultimately died at the scene. The Farmington Police Department is leading the investigation.
Ground Broken for new STEAM Education Building at Navajo Prep

The new Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Facility will provide expanded space for Navajo Prep’s International Baccalaureate program and career-focused pathways.