AFR Responds to Apartment Fire; Crews Contain Blaze at Complex with Extensive History

Albuquerque –

Just before 7:30 PM, crews with Albuquerque Fire Rescue responded to a reported residential structure fire at 1200 Dickerson Dr SE. Upon arrival, Engine 2 confirmed the fire and advised that occupants might be trapped inside.

Firefighters conducted a search of the dwelling and located two occupants. Both were reported to have minor injuries, and one declined transport.

Utilities to the complex were reportedly discontinued as firefighting efforts were underway.

AFR crews remain on scene and continue working the fire, which is now mostly contained.

Both Albuquerque Fire Rescue and Albuquerque Police have responded to incidents at this location multiple times in recent years. In January 2024, APD’s SWAT unit was called out to the complex, and on June 17, 2024, AFR crews quickly brought a two-story apartment fire under control, leaving one person injured and several residents displaced.

The site has also been tied to prior law enforcement activity, including a 2023 SWAT response to a barricaded, armed individual with felony warrants, and the arrest of Andrew Chavez in connection with the 2024 killing of Armando Salazar.

In November 2025, we reported to you about a shooting that occurred at this complex.

If we learn more about today’s fire, we will update you.

UPDATE:

In an update sent from AFR around 10:08 PM, they stated:

On May 2, 2026, at approximately 7:27 p.m., Albuquerque Fire Rescue responded to the 1200 block of Dickerson Drive SE for reports of a structure fire at a multi-story, multi-family residential complex. While units were en route, dispatch advised of possible occupants trapped inside.

Engine 2 arrived on scene and reported smoke and visible flames on the second floor of one of the apartment buildings, confirming a working fire. Engine 2 established incident command and initiated suppression efforts. Command was later transferred to Battalion 2 upon arrival.

Additional responding units conducted primary searches and supported fire suppression operations. One occupant was rescued, treated on scene for injuries, and transported to a local hospital. A second individual was rescued from the second floor and assisted to safety via ladder.

Fire crews brought the blaze under control within approximately 15 minutes of arrival. Significant damage occurred to multiple apartments within the 16-unit structure. All 16 units were deemed uninhabitable as a result of fire damage and suppression efforts; 13 units were occupied at the time. Apartment management is coordinating with the American Red Cross and other agencies to assist displaced residents.

Fire investigators are on scene and working to determine the cause. No additional civilian injuries were reported, and no firefighter injuries occurred.