The Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) Wildland Division is mobilizing resources to Ruidoso, NM, to support firefighting efforts for the South Fork and Salt fires. This deployment, requested through the New Mexico State Forestry’s Resource Mobilization Plan (RMP) and the City of Albuquerque Office of Emergency Management (OEM), aims to bolster local containment and protection efforts.
“The Wildland Division is preparing to head to the South Fork Fire,” stated Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo. “We never want to see this type of fire activity so close to inhabited areas. AFR will assist the efforts to contain this fire and protect the community in any we can.”
As part of the southwest region, AFR’s Wildland Division is integral to the NM State Forestry’s RMP. This plan consists of a pool of nationally qualified wildland fire resources within New Mexico’s structural fire service, ready to be mobilized for wildfire suppression and wildland/urban interface incidents both locally and nationwide.
The City of Albuquerque Office of Emergency Management collaborates with the New Mexico Intrastate Mutual Aid System (IMAS) to protect communities, ensuring comprehensive coordination in response to large-scale incidents.
AFR’s Engine 317 is a Type 3 brush truck is equipped for wildland and urban interface fires. Engine 317 has a 500-gallon water tank and a 150-gallon per minute pump. It will assist with structural protection and containment at the Salt Fire.
Engine 17 is a Type 1 fire engine designed for structural firefighting. Engine 17 has a 500-gallon water tank and a 2,000-gallon per minute pump. It will aid with the firefighting efforts of the South Fork Fire.
The Wildland Division is deploying two apparatus and eight personnel. AFR stated that they are ready to provide further support if additional resources are required.