Albuquerque –
In the early hours of December 12, 2024, at 5:00 AM, Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) responded to reports of a structure fire at 900 Amherst Dr NE. Neighbors had observed smoke coming from the residence and heard activated smoke alarms.
Upon arrival, Engine 3 confirmed an active structure fire with flames and smoke visible from the roof, prompting a high-risk rescue operation. Engine 3 and Medic 3 forced entry into the small, single-story home to search for occupants and extinguish the blaze.
During the search, Medic 3 located a victim inside the home and immediately removed them from the premises. The victim received Advanced Life Support care and was successfully resuscitated en route to the University of New Mexico Hospital. AFR Rescue 13 facilitated transport to the hospital. The fire was fully extinguished within 25 minutes of the initial response.
No other injuries were reported. The victim remains in critical condition, and investigators are continuing to examine the scene.
The fire is believed to have been caused by an in-floor heater common in homes of that era. This incident highlights the importance of regular inspections of heating systems to ensure safe operation. Homeowners and landlords are also reminded to keep combustible materials at least three feet away from heaters and vents.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Camper Fire in Claims Lives of Two Dogs
On December 12, 2024 at approximately 4:30 PM, Engine 11 was dispatched to a vehicle fire at San Mateo Blvd SE and Silver Ave SE. Engine 11 arrived to find a truck with a slide in camper on fire.
Engine 11 stretched a line and called for an additional engine company to assist with water and a ladder company to assist with access. The vehicle’s owner returned to find the rear of the camper ablaze and was unable to reach the dogs. Tragically, two dogs were discovered deceased within the camper.
A propane heater was suspected to be the cause of the fire.
[…] AFR Responds to Two Fires: One Victim Rescued, Two Dogs Perish in Vehicle Blaze […]
On December 2, 2024 I called the City of Albuquerque 311 service to report this camper as a health & safety hazard, as it was surrounded by refuse and had wires running off the battery for power (Reference No. 241202-002539). The camper had been set up as a homeless encampment and had not moved in at least three or four months.
The following day it was red-tagged by the City but no subsequent action taken. A reminder to the City- take these citizen reports seriously or people and animals will die.
I hope the homeless vermin who killed two innocent dogs gets his just desserts. Our streets must be CLEANSED of their infestation!
John: Your comment is on point!! My daughter and I are currently dealing with the exact same issue on 6th Street NW. Our next door neighbor has accumulated several inoperable vehicles in the street directly in front of his property. 2 RVs and multiple vehicles inhabited by the homelessness. A third RV was recently removed only after APD realized it was stolen. We have reported this to Bernalillo County Nuisance Abatement, City Zoning and District 1 City Council….everyone of them have passed the buck saying they have no authority to intervene. The open drug use, trash and debris and degradation of our neighborhood is heartbreaking. Does anyone have a solution to this city wide problem? What can we as law abiding citizens do to protect our families from this filth and destruction of our quality of life? Our Mayor must sleep well in his gated community…disgusting!