Albuquerque –
At 8:15 PM, Albuquerque Fire Rescue was dispatched to 5915 Central Ave NE for a commercial structure fire. Engine 3 arrived on scene first and confirmed a working fire at a single story structure. AFR has approximate 10 units battling this blaze.
This building was the location of Appliance Liquidation, but when AFR arrived, they noted that there were boards up on the windows. From what we could find on Google, the buildings at 5913-5915 Central have been for sale and are boarded up.
While assessing the safety of firefighters to enter, they have primarily engaged in firefighting operations from the exterior due to the severity of the situation. Firefighters also stated there were flames coming through the roof and the smoke was heavy. They are accessing if they will have to vent the roof.
This is a developing and ongoing story. As we learn more, we will update you (updates posted below the @abqfirerescue Instagram video).
UPDATE:
We have learned that the roof has either partially or totally collapsed. As a result, AFR is unable to go inside of the structure.
Ladder 5 appears to be preparing for aerial firefighting tactics. AFR has instructed firefighters to avoid the left side of the structure as there is concern of potential collapse.
UPDATE 2:
At 9:10 PM, AFR ceased their aerial operations.
AFR did inform us that “Damage to the structure was significant. No injuries of civilians or firefighters was reported. AFR Fire Investigators are on scene to determine the cause and origin of the fire. A cause has not been determined at this time.”
Video below was taken by @abq_fire.buff.
Crackheads trying to keep warm.