House fire being investigated

Smoke from a house fire filled the Portales sky on Thursday afternoon, and residents living in the house suspect arson.

Lizbeth Balbuena, who lives in the home at 1205 W. Ivy with other family members, said a family dispute may have led to the fire.

Police said no charges have been filed and fire officials had not determined the cause of the blaze early Thursday night.

The home sustained heavy smoke and fire damage but no injuries were reported.

Records show a woman called police on Saturday to report a man was in the home’s attic, threatening to burn down the house. Deputy Police Chief Lonnie Berry said officers did not file a report on the incident.

Portales Fire Department Battalion Chief Shannon Lee said the fire started in a bedroom, and investigators from the state fire marshal’s office in Santa Fe would assist in determining the cause. Lee said investigators were expected to arrive late Thursday or early Friday morning.