Early Morning Fire at Longtime Albuquerque Favorite, Hinkle Family Fun Center

Albuquerque –

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 14th, at approximately 1:54 AM, Albuquerque Fire Rescue responded to a reported fire alarm at the Hinkle Family Fun Center, located at 12931 Indian School Rd NE. Upon arrival, Engine 8 encountered heavy smoke conditions and immediately upgraded the response to a full first alarm assignment.

AFR Crews worked to contain the blaze, bringing the fire under control within 25 minutes.

AFR’s Battalion Chief 2 reported that no injuries were reported among civilians or firefighting personnel.

The fire was mostly contained to the bell tower on the east side of the structure. There was water, smoke and fire damage on the inside of the structure in the area of the bell tower and fire damage in the area of the sign on the exterior.

AFR’s Arson Investigators responded to the scene. Preliminary information suggests the fire may have been electrical in nature.

We have reached out to representatives of Hinkle Family Fun Center for additional information. As of this publication, we have not received a response.

UPDATE:

Around 9:00 AM, we received a reply from the general manager at Hinkle Family Fun Center. She stated that once she is able to get a better understanding of the situation, she will be able to update us on the damage and any closures.

UPDATE 2:

On Tuesday, October 14, the General and Marketing Manager, Colleen Wyatt, contacted us to state:

“Hinkle Fun Center experienced a minor fire in the early hours of Tuesday, October 14, 2025, causing minor damage and no injuries. The fire started due to a short in an exterior neon sign and was contained to the bell tower.

The owners and Albuquerque Fire Department were immediately notified of smoke from our advanced alarm system. Albuquerque Fire Department immediately dispatched and were on site as the owners arrived. The owners opened the building allowing Albuquerque Fire Department immediate access to the smoldering sign. Albuquerque Fire Department did an outstanding job immediately putting out the fire and minimizing any damage. 

We’ll still be bringing you Hinkle’s unique brand of fun … Hinkle Fun Center’s Laser Tag building will be open regular hours … make sure and stop by and enjoy our indoor attractions, food and fun! We are working hard on reopening the other Fun Center building as soon as possible. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram channels for updates.”