First Baptist Church Fire

At 11:18pm last night, Engine 2 was dispatched to the report of smoke in
the area of Central and Broadway. Engine 2 arrived and found moderate
smoke in First Baptist Church at 101 Broadway NE and called for a full
dispatch. E-2 was in the process of advancing a hose line when Lt. Paul
Chavez experienced smoke inhalation and was transported to Presbyterian
for evaluation and remained at the hospital overnight for observation.

The additional units arrived and found heavy smoke and flame throughout
the 4-story building. A 2nd Alarm was dispatched due to the heavy fire
involvement and size of the building. Seventy + fire fighters contained
the fire to the first three stories within two hours. Heavy smoke and
fire damage to three floors and minor smoke damage to the fourth.

The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation by AFD and ATF.
Federal law requires ATF to investigate any Church damaged by fire.

FF's Catch Burglar at Fire Station

This morning a man was caught rifling through a FF's motorcycle tank bag in the bay at Fire Station 6.

Lt. Max Montgomery walked in the bay and asked the man what he was doing and why he was in the bay.  He said he wasn't doing anything and denied taking anything or being in the tank bag.

The crew detained him until APD arrived. The police officer then conducted a search of the man and found an item from the tank bag belonging to Max Montgomery.  APD arrested the man and returned the Fire Fighters belongings. 
Melissa Romero
Public Information Officer
Albuquerque Fire Department
11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-9317

AFD SAVES TEEN FROM RAGING ARROYO

At around 300pm, a 16 year old male was crossing the arroyo at Juan Tabo and Candelaria with minimal water visible. On his second step into the arroyo, an enormous gush of water knocked him off his feet and carried him west down the arroyo. A friend of his called 911 from the scene.

Thirty- three AFD personnel were set up at various locations to attempt a rescue.  At Morningside and Cutler, station 13 crews launched a rescue throw bag into the water, the young man grabbed a hold of it and he was successfully pulled to safety. He was transported to Presbyterian in stable condition with cuts and bruises.

One of the Fire Fighters involved in the rescue was taken to Presbyterian with a minor cut to the hand.

AFD SAVES TEEN FROM RAGING ARROYO

At around 300pm, a 16 year old male was crossing the arroyo at Juan Tabo and Candelaria with minimal water visible. On his second step into the arroyo, an enormous gush of water knocked him off his feet and carried him west down the arroyo.

AFD crews were set up at various locations to attempt a rescue of this young man. At Morningside and Cutler, station 13 crews launched a rescue throw bag into the water, the young man grabbed a hold of it and he was successfully pulled to safety. He was transported to Presbyterian in stable condition with cuts and bruises.

One of the Fire Fighters involved in the rescue was taken to Presbyterian with a minor cut to the hand.
Melissa Romero
Public Information Officer
Albuquerque Fire Department
11500 Sunset Gardens SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-9317

Fire on Desert Breeze

AFD crews were dispatched to 2216 Desert Breeze SW at 215am this morning to a fully involved abandoned home.

The roof was completely engulfed when crews arrived.  Engine 14 crew contained the fire to the home and protected the home next door from fire and smoke.

The fire was under control within 40 min. No injuries reported and the cause is under investigation.


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

Solid Waste Vehicle Fire

AFD units were dispatched to a Solid Waste vehicle trash fire at 1:00pm at the intersection of Ponderosa and Ortiz NE.

The driver noticed heavy smoke coming from the truck after a pickup at a nearby apartment complex. He dumped the trash on the street to prevent damage to the vehicle.

Fire was contained to the trash pile within 10 min and city bobcats are enroute to mix up the trash so it can be fully extinguished.

A nearby tree was damaged by the fire . No evacuations were ordered and no injuries were reported. Cause of fire is unknown.


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

AFD Quickly Extinguishes Fire

AFD units were dispatched to 300 Dorado Pl SE at 2:47pm to an town home fire. Heavy smoke upon arrival. Occupants heard the smoke detectors and self evacuated. Crews attacked the fire from the interior and extinguished the fire within 20 min. Heavy smoke and fire damage to the home. Eight occupants displaced. Red Cross has been requested.

No injuries and the cause and origin is under investigation.

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