April Wildfire Bulletin

April 6, 2011

 

Multi-Agency Wildfire Danger Bulletin

 

The National Weather Service is calling for critical to extreme fire danger for the month of April not only statewide but also along the Bosque and East Mountains. It is up to all of us to protect our properties, open space areas and the Sandia Mountain District. While you are enjoying these areas, help our firefighters by looking out for suspicious behavior. Call 911to report suspicious behavior.

 

Fire restrictions in the Bosque and all Open Space areas are:

1.      No Smoking

2.      No Fireworks

3.      No Open Flames (campfires, BBQ, welding)

4.      No Camping

 

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in Magdalena, Sandia and Mountainar Ranger Districts are:

1.      Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire except in U.S. Forest Service developed campsites and picnic grounds where grills and stoves are provided.

2.      Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while  stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

3.      Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.

 

 

 

Home -Fire Safety Outside:

• Clear a 100 foot perimeter of defensible space and thin the vegetation around homes.

• Use non-flammable landscaping materials within 5 ft of the house.

• Clean dead leaves and needles from your roof and gutters.

• Cover chimneys and stovepipes with non-flammable mesh.

• Stack woodpiles 100 feet from all structures.

Home- Fire Safety Inside:

• Install smoke alarms. Even in bedrooms if you sleep with the door closed.

• Keep a charged, ABC-type fire extinguisher in the kitchen and garage; make sure family members know how to properly use it.

• Have your GO bag ready for you, your family and animals.

• Have an evacuation plan, identify meeting areas and practice it.

 

For more information go to www.cabq.gov/fire, www.nmforestry.com, www.firewise.org, www.nmdhsem.org/prepardness, www.smokeybear.com

 

 

Monte Largo Wildfire

ALBUQUERQUE, NM., April 3, 2011 – The Monte Largo wildfire was reported on April 2, 2011 at 4:40 p.m.  The fire began on Albuquerque Open Space on the west side of the Sandia Mountains.  The wind driven fire crested the ridge at 6:30 p.m. and crossed onto U.S. Forest Service Lands.

As of 3:00 p.m. today the wildfire was 60% contained with approximately 30 acres burned.  As of 4:00 p.m. all fire lines that were put in are holding and most of the fire is extinguished.  Full containment of this fire is expected this evening (Approx:  8:00 p.m.) as long as the weather cooperates.  

The Zuni Hotshot Crew and two helicopters will be held over until tomorrow as a precautionary measure.  Again, area residents should be aware of heavy fire traffic in the area.

NOTE:  This will be the last update for the Monte Largo Wildfire unless the fire becomes active once again.

SAFETY/EDUCATION MESSAGE

Defensible Space - Defensible space is an area around a structure where fuels and vegetation are treated, cleared or reduced to slow the spread of wildfire towards the structure. It also reduces the chance of a structure fire moving from the building to the surrounding forest. Defensible space provides room for firefighters to do their jobs. Your house is more likely to withstand a wildfire if grasses, brush, trees and other common forest fuels are managed to reduce a fire’s intensity.

 

Public Safety Basketball Tournament

AFD beat APD 62-60 in the nail bitting Championship.
Melissa Romero
Public Information Officer
Albuquerque Fire Department
11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-9317

Hyland Wildfire Update

AFD Fire Investigators are ruling this fire accidental. A couple of young men were playing with a model rocket that started the fire. The men attempted to extinguish the fire but the dry brush quickly ignited and spread. A woman in her car in the parking lot saw the fire and immediately called 911.

Thanks to the quick actions of the woman who called 911, we were able to respond quickly and prevent further damage.

The acres damaged is at 10 acres.

The high temperatures, low humidity, and high winds are a dangerous combination for a wildfire . While you are enjoying these areas, help our firefighters by looking out for suspicious behavior.

Anything that creates a spark, can cause a fire.

Fire restrictions in place along and in the Bosque are:
1. No Smoking
2. No Fireworks
3. No Open Flames (campfires, BBQ, welding)

Recommendations for the East Mountains and Forest Service Lands during Red Flag warnings are:
1.  No Open Flames (campfires, BBQ, welding)
2.  No Fireworks
3.  No Smoking except in vehicles (extinguish cigarettes in approved containers)
4.  Keep extinguishers or water handy when operating welding equipment outdoors


Melissa Romero
Public Information Officer
Albuquerque Fire Department
11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-9317

AFD Saves Storage and House from Fire

AFD units were dispatched at 1035am to 5405 Fordham NW to a car fire inside a storage building behind the home. Engine 27 arrived quickly and found smoke inside the building.

The fire was extinguished within 15 min and was contained to the car. No structural damage to the storage building.

No injuries reported. AFD's quick response preventing damage to the storage building and nearby home.




Melissa Romero
Public Information Officer
Albuquerque Fire Department
11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-9317

AFD Prevents House Fire

AFD units were dispatched to the 1400 block of Glorieta St NE at 6:36am to a motor home fire behind the home.

The 24' 1970's motor home was completely engulfed in flames when units arrived.  All four occupants were safety evacuated by AFD with no injuries.

Units extinguished the fire within 6 min and prevented fire extension to the home and a small apartment nearby.  

During the firefighting effort, a firefighter was injured and was transported to Presbyterian by AFD Rescue 8. He is currently being evaluated and is doing well.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by AFD.


Melissa Romero
Public Information Officer
Albuquerque Fire Department
11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-9317

AFD News: FF's Stop APS Storage Fire Within Minutes

At 11:00pm last night, a full dispatch was sent to a small storage shed behind the APS Office Complex at 3315 Louisiana NE.

Engine 9 quickly found and extinguished the fire with minimal fire and smoke damage to the shed. No injuries were reported.

AFD Fire Investigation responded to investigate the cause and origin of the fire. Arson is suspected and remains under investigation. 


Melissa Romero
Public Information Officer
Albuquerque Fire Department
11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-9317

AFD News: Gage Fire Quickly Contained by AFD

Several AFD units responded to a wildfire above Tramway and Copper at 4:51pm this afternoon. Firefighters contained the quarter acre fire and will continue to put out hot spots for a few hours. No injuries were reported and no structures were affected. The cause is under investigation.

AFD News: AFD Sends Crew to Assist with Silver City Wildfire.

An engine departed this morning with four firefighters for Silver City
to help contain the fire and to provide structure protection.

Laundry Mat Fire

AFD responded to the 2200 block of Lead at 3:20pm to a Laundry mat Fire.

Units arrived on scene quickly to find light smoke throughout the business. Units found the fire in a locked storage area and extinguished the fire within 15 min.

The business was closed and unoccupied at the time of the fire. Damage was contained to the ceiling above the fire and in the storage room. The cause is likely caused by an electrical malfunction.

No injuries reported.
Melissa Romero
Public Information Officer
Albuquerque Fire Department
11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-9317

House Fire

AFD responded to a house fire at the 600 block of Palomas NE. On arrival, units reported extensive flame and black smoke exiting the east and west side windows. The fire was so intense, it created a 60' plume of smoke that could be seen from miles away.

The two occupants self evacuated the home prior to our arrival and were transported in stable condition to UNM-H with facial burns.

The fire was extinguished within 10 min. Extensive fire and smoke damage was found throughout the home .The fire is currently under investigation by AFD.

Community Risk Message:

-Make sure your smoke alarms are working and change the batteries twice a year during daylight savings time.

-Practice a home evacuation plan every month.

-If a fire occurs, get out immediately and call 911.
Melissa Romero
Public Information Officer
Albuquerque Fire Department
11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-9317

FF's Save Apartment Building from Fire

AFD units were dispatched to 500 block of Mesilla SE last night at 1045pm to an apartment fire.

The first units on scene reported heavy smoke and flame exiting a 2nd story apartment window. All occupants from the 4 unit apartment building were safely evacuated with the help of AFD. A dog was also saved by fire fighter's.

A 57 year old male was transported to UNM-H in stable condition with 1st and 2nd degree burns to his back and arms.

The fire was contained to one apartment and was quickly extinguished by Engine 5. The apartment suffered extensive fire and smoke damage. All occupants of the apartment building were displaced and assisted with temporary housing. 

The fire cause and origin is under investigation by AFD.
Melissa Romero
Public Information Officer
Albuquerque Fire Department
11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-9317

FF's Quickly Extinguished House Fire

AFD responded to a house fire at 1009 Santa Ana Ave SE this morning at 10:00am. AFD arrived minutes later to find heavy smoke and flame blowing out the front window.

The occupant (woman) heard the smoke alarm and noticed the fire in the office as she exited the bathroom.

She and her elderly mother self-evacuated.  The mother was transported to the hospital with chest pain but is in stable condition.

The fire was extinguished within 15 min. Heavy fire and smoke damage to the office and living room and smoke damage throughout the home.

The fire cause and origin is under investigation.

The smoke alarms alerted the occupants to evacuate and likely prevented injury and/or death.

Safety Tips:

Make sure you have working smoke alarms and change the batteries twice a year during daylight savings.

Plan and practice an evacuation on a monthly basis with your family so everyone knows when and where to go if a fire happens. 

For more safety tips, go to cabq.gov/fire
Melissa Romero
Public Information Officer
Albuquerque Fire Department
11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-9317

Royal Crown Fire Update

AFD with the help of a KAFB Ladder worked through the night and made tremendous progress on the extinguishment of the fire.

AFD will be rotating Engines and Ladders throughout the day to extinguish hot spots. 

Ice melt has been spread on the neighboring streets surrounding the complex to prevent falls from the standing water.

Red Cross assisted 21 residents at the Highland HS shelter overnight. Red Cross is now gathering information from the occupants to determine temporary housing.

AFD Investigators are on scene to continue their investigation into the cause and origin of the fire.

Gibson westbound from Truman to Washington remains closed but east bound has been re-opened.
Melissa Romero
Public Information Officer
Albuquerque Fire Department
11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-9317

Royal Crown Fire

Albuquerque Firefighters are currently preparing for a cold weather fire fight into the night at an apartment complex on the city's Southeast side.

Meanwhile, two firefighters injured in the blaze have been released from the hospital and are doing fine.

AFD responded to the Royal Crown Apartment Complex at 4801 Gibson SE at 3:00pm. First units on scene reported a heavy amount of smoke and flames on the interior of the North side of the complex burning from the 2nd floor extending to the 3rd floor.

Firefighters entered the front door and advanced a hose line to search for occupants and extinguish the fire. Engine 13 firefighters rescued two occupants from one apartment. A cat was also saved by Firefighters and is doing well at Animal Welfare's East Side Shelter. Animal Welfare found a microchip in the cat, has identified the cat owner and is trying to locate them at this time.

Early in the fight, two firefighters fell through fire weaken floors. The first firefighter fell from the third story to the second. The second firefighter fell from the second floor to the first while trying to render aide to his fallen comrade. The two firefighters were transported to UNM with leg injuries. One of the firefighters had minor burns to the ear. Both have been treated, released and are resting at home.

At 3:40pm, the Incident Commander made the decision to defensively fight the fire from the outside and firefighters were evacuated from the interior of the building.

A 3rd Alarm was called because of the injured firefighters and heavy fire conditions. There are currently 45 firefighters on scene fighting the blaze. Kirtland Air Force Base Fire Department is assisting with crew rotation by providing a ladder truck and crew.

In all, there are 18 fire trucks on scene. Firefighters are still fighting the fire. The gas and power was shut off in the area. Firefighters are coordinating the restoration of gas and electric utilities to nearby homes with utility companies. Because of the freezing temperature.

AFD has activated it's incident support team to provide shelter, hot food and water to firefighters working in freezing temperatures with the assistance of the American Red Cross.

The city's Transit Department has provided two buses - one for firefighters to warm up, the other to transport displaced fire victims to Highland High School, where the Red Cross has set up a shelter.

There are about 75 people who reside in the 47 unit complex. About 25 were transported by city bus to the Red Cross Shelter. The structure is more than likely a complete loss with several collapsed areas. The cause and it's origin is still under investigation. 

AFD expects to remain on scene until late tomorrow morning and Gibson will be closed east of washington and west of San Mateo until fire suppression operations or reduced
Melissa Romero
Public Information Officer
Albuquerque Fire Department
11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-9317

Royal Crown Fire Update

Both FF's were released from UNM with right knee injuries and are doing well.

Melissa Romero
Public Information Officer
Albuquerque Fire Department
11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-9317

Apartment fire

AFD responded to the Royal Crown Apartment Complex at 4801 Gibson SE at 3:00pm. First units on scene reported a tremendous amount of smoke and flame on the North side of the complex burning from the 2nd floor extending to the 3rd floor.

Units entered the front door with a hose line to search for occupants and the fire. Engine 13 crew rescued two uninjured occupants from one apartment. A cat was also saved by FF's and is doing well.

Shortly after, four FF's fell through the 2nd story floor and landed on the first. Two FF's were transported to UNM with both leg injuries and one with minor burns to the ear. Both are in stable condition.

At 3:40pm, the Commander made the decision to fight the fire at from the outside, FF were immediately evacuated.

A 3rd Alarm was called because of the heavy fuel load and large complex. 75+ FF's are on scene fighting this fire.

The fire continues to burn with 1/2 of the complex affected by fire.

21 residents of the 47 unit complex were transported to the Red Cross shelter at Highland High School to keep the residents out of the cold. 

Melissa Romero
Public Information Officer
Albuquerque Fire Department
11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-9317

FF's Revive Dog at House Fire

AFD arrived quickly to a house fire on the 800 block of Adams SE at 323pm this afternoon. The first arriving crews found heavy smoke coming from the inside of the home and black smoke coming from the crawl space vents.

The occupant evacuated and decided to go back in the home to try to save her dog. A neighbor told crews on scene that the occupant was inside. The first priority is life safety so R-3 entered the home to search for the woman and found a dog laying by the door. They completed the search and didn't find the woman but rescued the dog from the hazardous conditions.
The unconscious and unresponsive dog was given oxygen by Rescue 3 crew via a pet mask and came to. Animal Services transported the dog to a vet for observation.

The woman had no injuries and was at a neighbors house.

The fire was contained to part of the living room and kitchen floor.
The fire was caused by a malfunctioning floor heater.
Melissa Romero
Public Information Officer
Albuquerque Fire Department
11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-9317

Bonita House Fire

AFD was dispatched at 1230pm to the 10000 block of Sierra Bonita NE to a house fire. Engine and Rescue 16 arrived on scene and found heavy black smoke coming from the front living room window.

Crews entered the front door and found heavy fire and smoke in the living room and kitchen area. They extinguished the fire within 7 min.

Extensive fire damage to the living room and kitchen was found after the fire was out.

Five occupants saw the smoke and self evacuated prior to our arrival. Two occupants were treated by Rescue 16 on scene with minor smoke inhalation.

No firefighter injuries and the cause is under investigation by AFD.


Melissa Romero
Public Information Officer
Albuquerque Fire Department
11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-9317

Duplex Fire

AFD arrived quickly arrived on scene and found light smoke exiting the front door of the Duplex. The occupant was alerted  by the smoke alarms and self evacuated.

Crews immediately entered through the front door and found a fire above the floor heater. The fire was extinguished within 5 min.

Heat from the floor heater ignited paper products that were too close resulting in a fire.  A 3'X3' area in the living room above the floor heater suffered moderate fire damage. No injuries were reported from this fire.

Community Risk Message: Keep combustible materials at least 3 feet from any heating source.

Melissa Romero
Public Information Officer
Albuquerque Fire Department
11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-9317

AFD FF's Save Pizza Hut and Billy's Pub from Fire

AFD units were dispatched to a structure fire at 520am this morning to Pizza Hut located at 1020 Juan Tabo NE.

15 units and 39 FF's arrived minutes later to find smoke and flame coming from a window. The FF's forced the door, located the fire in the dining room and extinguished the fire within 5 min.

Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and in doing so, prevented the extension of the fire to the remaining areas of the Pizza Hut and Billy's Pub.

No structural damage was found to the Pizza Hut but only minimal fire and smoke damage noted in a small portion of the restaurant.  

The Pizza Hut will be closed today while AFD Fire Investigators determine the cause and origin of the fire.

No injuries were reported.

Melissa Romero
Public Information Officer
Albuquerque Fire Department
11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-9317

AFD Prevents Possible Gas Explosion During Mobile Home Fire

AFD quickly responded to a mobile home fire at 12931 Central Ave NE Space 66 at 7:00am this morning.

The first unit reported heavy smoke and fire being expelled from the floor of the single wide mobile home. All occupants safely evacuated prior to our arrival.

During the fire extinguishment, a gas leak was discovered by FF's in a separate area in the mobile home. The FF's prevented a possible explosion by quickly extinguishing the fire and containing it to that immediate area.

The fire cause and origin is unknown at this time but doesn't seem suspicious. No injuries were reported.

Red Cross is assisting the family of five with housing and necessities.



Melissa Romero
Public Information Officer
Albuquerque Fire Department
11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-9317