Albuquerque Fire Rescue

Albuquerque Fire Rescue AFR continues to be one of the busiest and most active departments in the nation. In 2025 AFR answered 103,130 calls for service.

Established in June of 1900, it now has 23 fire stations, 760 full-time firefighters & 39 civilian personnel.

06/23/2026

Fire Danger Elevated to VERY HIGH Across the Albuquerque Metro Area and Sandia Ranger District

Based on current fire conditions and forecasted weather, the Sandia Ranger District and the Albuquerque Metro Area are moving to VERY HIGH Fire Danger effective today.

In anticipation of worsening conditions, Albuquerque Fire Rescue initiated Level 2 Open Space Patrols on June 21, 2026. Level 2 Patrols increase the duration that AFR wildland units are actively monitoring high-risk areas and will remain in place through July 20, 2026.

AFR will staff additional brush trucks from July 2–5 to prepare for the anticipated increase in call volume associated with the holiday weekend and elevated fire conditions.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions apply to the Bosque and all Open Space areas.

No smoking outside of enclosed vehicles.
No fires, campfires, stoves, or open flames outside designated picnic areas.
No FIREWORKS or other pyrotechnic devices.
No off-road vehicle use outside designated roadways and parking areas.
No chainsaws, combustion engines, welding equipment, torches, or other spark-producing equipment.
No camping or overnight stays.

If you see smoke or fire, call 911 immediately and provide the best information and location possible.

With hot temperatures, dry fuels, and increased fire danger across our region, everyone has a role to play in preventing wildfires and protecting our community.

On June 22nd, 2026 at 2:18pm Engine 15 was dispatched to 5301 Palo Duro NE for multiple calls of a vehicle fire. Engine ...
06/22/2026

On June 22nd, 2026 at 2:18pm Engine 15 was dispatched to 5301 Palo Duro NE for multiple calls of a vehicle fire. Engine 19 cleared a call and was added to the event. Crews arrived, confirmed a well involved vehicle fire, and Engine 19 stretched a line to extinguish the fire. Engine 15 also stretched a line. There was significant damage to the car and there was also some heat damage to a nearby vehicle. No injuries were reported. A mechanical failure is suspected to have caused the fire.

On 6/22/26 at approximately 12:10pm, Albuquerque Fire Rescue was dispatched to La Vida Buena Apartments at 2201 Ambassad...
06/22/2026

On 6/22/26 at approximately 12:10pm, Albuquerque Fire Rescue was dispatched to La Vida Buena Apartments at 2201 Ambassador Rd NE for multiple calls of a structure fire. Engine 9 arrived on scene and reported a 4-story multifamily dwelling with a working fire on the 4th floor. Rescue 5 and Engine 9 went up for search and made entry into the fire apartment with a water extinguisher. Engine 5 hoisted a line to the 4th floor for fire control. The fire was brought under control within 10 minutes of their arrival. Damage to the structure was mostly to the apartment where the fire originated with some water damage below. No injuries of firefighters were reported. 2 civilians were treated on scene. 1 civilian was transported to a local hospital. A total of 4 apartments were affected and 4 occupants were displaced. The occupants were assisted by Red Cross and property management.

AFR Fire Investigators responded to determine the cause and origin of the fire.

No additional information available at this time.

Albuquerque Fire Rescue would like to congratulate Paramedic Lieutenant Tom Ruiz on his retirement. Tom started his jou...
06/22/2026

Albuquerque Fire Rescue would like to congratulate Paramedic Lieutenant Tom Ruiz on his retirement. Tom started his journey of service in the military and is proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he served from 1996 to 2000.

Lieutenant Ruiz started with Albuquerque Fire in 2004 a part of the 67th cadet class where he achieved “top cadet”. Upon graduation of the academy Tom began his career at station 11 and promoted to Rescue Driver at Station 13. He also took assignments at Station 4 and Station 8. He then promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2014 and continued serving on Rescue 1, Rescue 16 back to 8s.

He took the role of AFR’s PIO in 2018. He expanded the scope of the position, increased AFR’s presence with social media and helped create the dynamic role the PIO office currently has.

After 5 years as PIO he went back to Rescue 21 where he will finish his tenure with Albuquerque Fire Rescue. Post retirement Tom will be spending time with family and friends and plenty of fly fishing. Tom would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support over his career. Tom is extremely proud of his service and commitment to the community. To all of his crews and classmates Tom would like to say “Thank you” for the last 22 years.

Congratulations on your retirement Tom.
Well done and Godspeed.

Today, Albuquerque Fire Rescue honors all fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, and father figures who help shape lives th...
06/21/2026

Today, Albuquerque Fire Rescue honors all fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, and father figures who help shape lives through their dedication, guidance, and example.

Happy Father’s Day from Albuquerque Fire Rescue.

On June 20th, 2026 at 3:40pm, Engine 7 was dispatched to 330 Airport SW for reports of a vehicle fire threatening a fenc...
06/21/2026

On June 20th, 2026 at 3:40pm, Engine 7 was dispatched to 330 Airport SW for reports of a vehicle fire threatening a fence and structure. Engine 7 arrived to a well involved vehicle fire and stretched a line for fire control. There was no damage to the structure and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was undetermined.

Every year, Albuquerque Fire Rescue crews inspect almost 18,000 public fire hydrants throughout the city to ensure they’...
06/20/2026

Every year, Albuquerque Fire Rescue crews inspect almost 18,000 public fire hydrants throughout the city to ensure they’re functioning properly.

AFR checks hydrants for proper operation, while the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority handles maintenance and repairs.

All crews have assigned hydrants and AFR’s two Hazardous Materials Squads, Squad 1 and Squad 3, also spend part of each summer conducting annual fire hydrant inspections throughout the city covering neighboring districts fireboxes. While their specialized equipment and training prepare them for hazardous materials emergencies, these crews also help ensure Albuquerque’s hydrants are ready when firefighters need them.

While making their rounds in their assigned fire boxes, Squad 1 stumbled across something that looked like a mirage in the desert heat,
a lemonade stand sitting alongside the hot, dusty trail. At first, they weren’t entirely convinced it was real. After a closer inspection they were relieved to discover the lemonade was indeed real, ice cold, and perfectly sweet.

The young entrepreneur behind the stand is raising money for cheer activities and summer adventures, and Squad 1 was more than happy to support a local small business while taking a brief break from hydrant inspections.

AFR appreciates community members who help make Albuquerque a great place to live,
and on a hot New Mexico day, a cold cup of lemonade hits the spot between hydrants. Good luck with your summer fundraising, and thanks for keeping Squad 1 hydrated.

On June 19th, 2026 at 9:12pm, Albuquerque Fire Rescue was dispatched to the foothills east of Pinnacle View NE for repor...
06/20/2026

On June 19th, 2026 at 9:12pm, Albuquerque Fire Rescue was dispatched to the foothills east of Pinnacle View NE for reports of a lost hiker. Engine 8, Rescue 8, Squad 2 and Battalion 2 were assigned to the event. The hiker was able to provide a location to AFR’s dispatcher.

Responding crews were able to locate the hiker approximately 3/4 of a mile up from the trailhead and was safely escorted down without injury.

The 5 L’s of Night Hiking:

Light – Bring a flashlight or headlamp, and extra batteries if possible.

Layers – Temperatures can drop quickly after sunset, even in the summer.

Location – Share your route with someone and carry a device that can provide GPS coordinates if needed.

Liquid – Bring more water than you think you’ll need. Dehydration doesn’t stop when the sun goes down.

Lifeline – Carry a charged phone, portable battery, whistle, or other way to call for help.

A little preparation goes a long way in making sure every hike ends safely, especially after dark. The trail is a lot easier to navigate when you can see it.

On June 19, 2026, at approximately 1700 hours, Albuquerque Fire Rescue was dispatched to 2708 Floral Rd NW for multiple ...
06/20/2026

On June 19, 2026, at approximately 1700 hours, Albuquerque Fire Rescue was dispatched to 2708 Floral Rd NW for multiple calls of a structure fire at a single‑family dwelling. Engine 4 arrived on scene and confirmed a working fire in a detached workshop located at the rear of the residence. Crews brought the fire under control within 15 minutes of arrival. Damage was contained to the workshop with no fire extension into the home. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental. No additional information is available at this time.

Friday Fleet Update!Members from AFR’s Apparatus Spec Committee and Fleet Services Division just completed a final inspe...
06/19/2026

Friday Fleet Update!

Members from AFR’s Apparatus Spec Committee and Fleet Services Division just completed a final inspection on the departments first water tender. This tactical water tender is designed to meet the demands of AFR’s response area and water supply challenges.

This apparatus is built on a Freightliner chassis, powered by a Detroit DD13 engine, carries 3,000 gallons of water, 30 gallons of foam, and is equipped with a 500 gallon-per-minute pump. It will be utilized for local wildland response, wildland deployments, and commercial vehicle fires along I-40 and I-25 where a fixed water supply is not available.

This new unit ensures AFR has mobile water supply capabilities in-house, improving response times and operational independence. With the dry Rio Grande, it also provides a critical water supply option for Bosque fires and other off-grid incidents.

This apparatus was purchased at a cost of $585,000, with funding secured through Capital Outlay for Station 4 equipment and the support of District 1 City Councilor Stephanie Telles, District 2 City Councilor Joaquin Baca, District 3 City Councilor Klarissa Peña, and District 8 City Councilor Dan Champine. This tender will be housed at Station 4 in Wells Park which is centrally located for city-wide response.

AFR anticipates more than 25 years of reliable service from this unit. This truck is will be delivered this month and put into service in July.

AFR continues to invest in the equipment and resources needed to meet the evolving demands of the Albuquerque community and emergency response.

Address

11500 Sunset Gardens Rd SW
Albuquerque, NM
87121

Telephone

+15057689321

Website

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