BCFR and AFR Crews Battling Large Blaze at Recycling Plant

Albuquerque –

This evening around 6:35 PM, Bernalillo County Fire Rescue responded to reports of a fire at 4220 Broadway Blvd SE. First-arriving firefighters from BCFR Truck 38 found flames burning near a building and requested a 1st alarm response.

Albuquerque Fire Rescue was dispatched to assist. AFR’s Engine 2 was already in the area responding to another outside fire when they reportedly spotted smoke from the recycling plant blaze and responded to the scene.

At some point, the fire was upgraded to a 2nd alarm as crews continued suppression efforts.

As of this publication, firefighters remain on scene working to contain the fire. Firefighters are working to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby structures.

Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office has shut down Broadway Blvd SE in both directions at Prosperity Ave.

If we learn more about this fire, we will update you.

UPDATE:

This morning, Bernalillo County Fire Rescue provided an update on the recycling plant fire which stated:

Last night, Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue crews responded to a large fire at a recycling yard off Broadway Boulevard south of Rio Bravo Boulevard.

At its peak, 19 units and over 50 firefighters from BCFR and Albuquerque Fire Rescue, worked to bring the incident under control. The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office also assisted.

While the fire continues to smolder over approximately two acres, all forward progress on the fire has been stopped. Crews will remain on scene throughout the day working to fully extinguish remaining hot spots. Nine BCFR units and 22 personnel remain assigned to the incident. The cause is still under investigation.

Broadway remains closed between Prosperity and Rio Bravo.

Thank you to AFR, BCSO, BernCo Fleet, BernCo Public Works, and the BernCo Office of Emergency Management for their support in bringing this large incident under control.

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*A “first alarm” is the initial escalation level for a significant fire or emergency incident. It signifies the dispatch of additional firefighters, engines, ladder trucks, medics, and command staff after crews assess that the fire is larger or more complex than a routine response.

A “second alarm” signifies that the incident escalated further, necessitating additional units and personnel to assist in containing the fire.