Apartment Fire Displaces Seniors and Disabled Citizens in Martineztown, One Killed in Blaze

Albuquerque –

Around 10:55 AM, Albuquerque Fire Rescue was dispatched to The Santa Barbara Apartments, located at 1420 Edith Blvd NE, for reports of a single-story residential structure fire. Multiple units were assigned to the blaze.

Engine 4 arrived first and reported a single-story apartment unit with heavy smoke and active fire showing, declaring a working fire. AFR crews initiated an offensive attack and began deploying handlines.

Shortly after arrival, Engine 4 crews received information of a possible victim inside the structure. Engine 1 began pulling backup lines, while Ladder 1 accessed the roof to perform ventilation.

Upon making entry, Engine 4 crews reported hearing calls for help from within the residence and expedited their search. At approximately 11:10 AM, AFR firefighters located and removed at least one patient from the structure.

Rescue 1 then entered the structure to search again. AFR received reports that two cats were inside of an apartment.

Rescue 3 began administering aid to an individual who had smoke inhalation. It was reported that crews found another patient outside of the structure and began administering medical aid.

Utilities to the residence were secured to safeguard firefighters working the structure fire.

It is reported that at least three patients were transported to a local hospital; however, the exact nature and severity of their injuries remain unknown. It remains unknown if AFR was able to rescue the two felines that were inside of the apartment.

AFR’s PIO LT. Jason Fejer announced that one deceased person was discovered in the apartment that had caught fire. 

AFR has requested a Fire Investigator to the scene. At this time, the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

This apartment complex is purportedly housing for seniors and the disabled. It is unknown how many individuals have been displaced.

UPDATE:

AFR distributed a media advisory about the fire at approximately 1:25 p.m., and the additional information provided noted: “Damage to the structure was significant to the involved apartment unit and smoke damage throughout the rest of the building. No injuries to firefighters were reported. A total of 1 Apt was significantly affected and 8 occupants were displaced. The occupants were assisted by Red Cross and management.”

AFR also updated the number of those transported to the hospital from three to four. Additionally, they stated “two additional patients were treated on scene but did not require transport.”