Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue

Wildfire preparedness starts at home.

Over the weekend, the BCFR Wildland Team conducted Wildfire Home Hazard Assessment training for community leaders and shared important wildfire preparedness information with residents in Sandia Heights.

Homeowners can take simple steps today to help protect their homes:

• Maintain a 5-foot noncombustible zone around your home
• Ensure the first 6 inches of your home’s exterior base is noncombustible
• Screen foundation and attic vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh

Taking action now can make a significant difference when wildfire threatens our community.

Learn more about protecting your home from wildfire and sign up for emergency notifications by visiting Bernalillo County’s Emergency Preparedness website and wildfireprepared.org.

🔥 Do Your Part, Put Out the Spark. 🔥

Together, we can reduce wildfire risk and help keep Bernalillo County safe.



Albuquerque Area Firefighters IAFF Local 244Bernalillo County NM

The Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue Aquatic Rescue Team began with an old aluminum boat back in the early 80's started by Pat Reynolds. The team later upgraded to a military‑surplus raft before receiving their first airboat in 1982. Highly trained in swift‑water rescue and diving, the team became a state resource.

The team still remains today.

Swim passes are now available at your local fire stations as part of the Ditch the Ditches program. Swing by, grab a pass, and choose a safer way to cool off this summer. 💦🚒

FINAL Update 9:30 p.m. - BCFR and AFR units remain on scene putting out hot spots. Broadway remains closed in both directions between Rio Bravo and Prosperity. Thank you for avoiding the area while our crews worked to bring this blaze under control. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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Update 7:50 p.m. — A total of 24 units and more than 60 personnel are now on scene and have made substantial progress, containing the fire to the area. Preliminary information indicates that at least two structures have burned. No injuries have been reported.
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Update 6:26 p.m. -- CABQ Air Quality has issued a Health Alert due to smoke. Those with respiratory conditions in the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County should limit outdoor activity.
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Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue is currently responding to a fire at the same recycling yard involved in the May 23 incident. The facility is located off Broadway Boulevard, south of Rio Bravo Boulevard.

A total of 11 apparatus and 40 personnel are assigned to the incident. Additional support is being provided by Albuquerque Fire Rescue and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.

Due to smoke impacting the surrounding area, residents are advised to turn off evaporative (swamp) coolers to help prevent smoke from being drawn into their homes.

Broadway is closed between Rio Bravo and Prosperity Avenue. The public is urged to avoid the area and allow emergency personnel sufficient space to operate safely.

Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue station 34 crews responded to two separate outside fires today.

The first incident occurred on the Pajarito Mesa and involved a trash pile that had caught fire.

The second incident was reported off Markham Road SW, where reported welding activity sparked a brush fire that spread into nearby trees. Resources on scene included Tender 34, Engine 34, and Battalion 8, who worked to contain and extinguish the fire.

These calls serve as a reminder of how quickly fire can spread in dry conditions. Please continue to use caution with any activities that could spark a fire.

🚁 Today, we honor and celebrate Lt. Jay Graff as he retires from Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue after a distinguished career dedicated to serving others. 🚁

Jay was instrumental in the development and implementation of our Air Rescue Team, helping build a program that has saved countless lives throughout Bernalillo County and beyond. His commitment to excellence, innovation, and teamwork helped establish capabilities that continue to make a difference when people need us most.

Throughout his decorated career, Jay answered the call time and time again, playing a role in the rescue and survival of numerous individuals. His leadership, experience, and dedication to the fire service have left a lasting mark on this department.

While his accomplishments are many, those who know Jay will remember him just as much for his humble nature, quick wit, and ability to bring laughter to even the most challenging situations. His sense of humor and positive attitude made him a pleasure to work alongside and helped strengthen the bond of our BCFR family.

As Jay begins this next chapter, we will strive to uphold the legacy of professionalism, service, and camaraderie that he leaves behind.

Thank you, Lieutenant Graff, for your years of service, your leadership, and the countless lives you've impacted. We wish you and your family nothing but happiness, health, and adventure in retirement.

🚁 Congratulations, Jay—you have earned it, and you will be greatly missed. 🚁

🚧 After 25 years of dedicated service to Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue, we proudly congratulate Eng. Chris Maes on his retirement.🚧

Throughout his career, Chris made a lasting impact on this department and the safety of our personnel. He spearheaded the implementation of Traffic Incident Management System (TIMS) training 🚧, helping ensure the proper placement of emergency vehicles at roadway incidents. His efforts significantly enhanced scene safety and helped protect countless first responders throughout his career.

Chris was also a mentor and inspiration to many of the engineers who followed in his footsteps. His professionalism, knowledge, patience, and willingness to teach helped shape the next generation of BCFR firefighters and engineers.

Beyond his accomplishments, Chris will be remembered for his kindness, positive attitude, and the smile he brought to work every day. His presence made this department a better place, and his legacy will continue long after his final shift.

Chris, thank you for your 25 years of service, leadership, and dedication to the citizens of Bernalillo County and your BCFR family. We wish you a long, healthy, and well-deserved retirement.

🚧 Congratulations, Chris—you will be greatly missed. Enjoy the next chapter. You've certainly earned it! 🚧

Today, BernCo Fire & Rescue, alongside County Commissioner Eric Olivas (D5), welcomed four new fire engines into service with traditional push‑in ceremonies at its East Mountain Stations.

The new engines double BCFR’s water capacity with 1,000 gallons onboard and feature a safer top‑mount pump panel for engineers.

Funded through Bernalillo County public safety tax dollars and a New Mexico Fire Protection grant secured by the Village of Tijeras, these engines represent strong state‑local partnership.