Massive Property Loss Cited After Huge Fire in ABQ’s Valley

Albuquerque –

On Wednesday, May 14, Albuquerque Fire Rescue provided an operational update on the significant fire incident that occurred the evening prior at 808 Nikanda Rd NE.

Preliminary Damage Report from AFR:

• 2 semi-trucks
• 6 forklifts
• 2 mobile homes
• 5 trucks
• 1 passenger vehicle
• 14 vans
• 1 box truck
• 1 semi-trailer
• 2 connex/storage containers
• Multiple small sheds, utility trailers, and an undetermined number of wooden pallets

At approximately 5:29PM, AFR units were dispatched to the area of Nikanda Rd and Edith Blvd NE for reports of a vehicle fire. Upon arrival, Engine 19 was first on scene and identified a well-involved, wind-driven fire extending across multiple exposures. The incident was located at 804/808 Nikanda Rd NE and involved a large quantity of stacked wooden pallets contributing to rapid fire spread.

Due to the size and complexity of the incident, a second alarm was quickly requested. Additional resources were dispatched, including mutual aid units from Bernalillo County Fire Rescue (BCFR) Stations 30 and 36. The fire had already extended to adjacent properties upon their arrival, escalating the incident into a multi-property fire event.

Crews initiated a coordinated defensive and offensive strategy, working aggressively to contain the fire perimeter. The fire was brought under control after approximately two hours of sustained suppression efforts.

There were no reported injuries to civilians or fire personnel. One individual was medically assessed on scene for a non-fire-related condition and did not require transport.

No residents were displaced as a result of this incident.

A joint investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is currently underway, being conducted by AFR Fire Investigations, Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue, the New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The cause remains undetermined at this time.

This initial damage assessment is subject to change as further evaluations are completed. Multiple properties were affected, and the list above is not yet itemized by address or ownership.