Coconino Sheriff's Office seeks vehicle in connection with meth lab fire near A-1 Mountain

Wild Land Fire of Suspicious Origin

Burns ½ Acre Near A-1 Mountain

Flagstaff AZ -On April 20, 2011 at about 2:00 pm, Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a wild land fire on State Trust Land off of Forest Service Road 515 near A-1 Mountain. The fire was originally reported to the Flagstaff Airport Control Tower by a private aircraft flying over the area. Numerous fire engines with the Coconino National Forest initially responded to the fire. Their crews were able to contain the fire to approximately ½ acre in size. During the investigation into the cause and origin of the fire suspicious items were discovered indicating the fire was started from a “one pot” methamphetamine lab. Numerous plastic containers and other items consistent with those found at methamphetamine labs were also collected from the scene.

Deputies were able to obtain a description of a vehicle observed leaving the area after the fire was reported. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is asking for assistance from the public in locating this vehicle; 1980’s model full size, ½ to ¾ ton pick “off yellow” in color  with a white camper shell that is missing the rear window of the camper. The vehicle is also described as having large size tires with black rims mounted on the back of the vehicle that do not match the front wheels.

A Hazardous Materials crew from the Arizona Department of Public Safety responded to the scene to process any evidence and the site was cleaned by a private hazardous material removal company.

Agents with the Northern Arizona Street Crimes Task Force (METRO) said this is one of the first documented methamphetamine labs in Arizona this year. METRO agents are following up on leads in an effort to identify and apprehend the person or persons responsible for the methamphetamine lab and subsequent fire.

According to Metro Agents “one pot” methamphetamine labs are typically operated by a single person attempting to manufacture methamphetamine. This method of production usually yields small amounts of usable methamphetamine. However, this type of manufacturing process is also the most volatile and dangerous not only to the person manufacturing but also to the public, this is due to the explosive nature of the chemical reaction process taking place inside the “pot”, usually a 2 liter plastic bottle. Anyone with information regarding this investigation or any other crime may call the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at 928-774-4523 or Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.