“We developed some information yesterday afternoon that we believe will be critical in solving this. We are meeting with the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) this afternoon,” Navajo County Sheriff KC Clark told the board of supervisors during a meeting on Tuesday regarding fires set at the chapter houses in Dilcon and Teesto.
Fires were reported at both chapter houses within an hour of each other in the early morning hours of Sept. 6.
Clark explained that he responded along with a sergeant and two deputies to assist in the investigation of the fires. He noted that federal officials are also involved in the case because it falls under the Major Crimes Act.
“The FBI, ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and USPS (United States Postal Service) are all involved,” he said. “We have been working closely with the FBI.”
According to Clark, both buildings are total losses. The Teesto chapter house served multiple purposes and was the center of the community, Clark told the board. It housed the post office, senior center and Headstart.
“They really have nothing now,” he said. “There are also some treasures that were in that building that are gone, such as woven rugs.”
In Dilcon, Clark noted, the chapter house itself is still standing, but the administration building burned to the ground.
Board Chairman Jesse Thompson explained that in Teesto, water testing is underway to ensure that nearby water sources were not contaminated as a result of the fire. He also noted that meals for the senior center were being served at the preschool, and in Dilcon some residents were being transported to Indian Wells to receive meals and services.
Navajo Nation Councilman Elmer Begay told the board that although arrangements are being made to provide services to residents of Dilcon and Teesto, red tape is getting in the way. He explained that, for example, the Navajo Nation requires that tables and chairs be provided for those being served meals. Due to the fire, there are not enough tables and chairs, so funding for the meals is in danger.
“In the past we sat on the ground to eat and were just fine, but now the regulations are in the way,” he said.
Begay thanked Navajo County officials for their assistance, including technical help provided by the emergency services division, and noted that low income residents in the two communities rely on the chapter houses for receiving and sending mail, transportation services, meals and communication.
“We need to keep the operations going for them,” he said.
Supervisor Jonathon Nez noted that Navajo council members are looking at options for replacing the chapter houses, but discussion has also turned to the potential for copycat crimes.
“We don’t want to encourage people to set buildings on fire just to get new government facilities,” he said.
