SILVER CITY, N.M. (AP) — Forest officials say a human-sparked fire is to blame for the destruction of a historic mill along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
The Silver City Ranger District released details of the fire Tuesday and asked the public to call if they had any information.
Officials were assessing the damage but it appears the flames destroyed most of the wooden elements of the site. The so-called arrastra, or a primitive mill, was used for crushing gold ore during the 1800s.
The site was first restored about 20 years ago with the help of the Gila Fish and Gun Club. It was rehabilitated again in the early 2000 by the district's recreation staff and Youth Conservation Corps.
Officials say damaging or destroying archaeological resources can result in fines or jail time.