Albuquerque Fire Rescue

On June 7, 2026 at 7:51 Albuquerque Fire Rescue was dispatched to 1023 Steamboat SE for reports of a possible fire in the backyard of single story, single family dwelling. Engine 12 arrived on scene and reported a working structure fire with smoke and flames coming from the residence and requested the balance of a first alarm response. Engine 12 stretched a line for fire control and Rescue 12 went in for primary search. Engine 12 established their own water supply and Battalion 2 took command.

The fire was brought under control within 8 minutes of their arrival. Damage to the structure was contained to the living area with smoke and water damage throughout. No injuries of civilians or firefighters was reported. Occupants will be displaced. AFR Fire Investigators also responded to determine cause and origin of the fire.

Fire Station 9 was honored to host members and supporters of Folds of Honor New Mexico for dinner yesterday. The firehouse table has always been a place where crews and community are built.

Since 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded more than 73,000 scholarships totaling over $340 million to the spouses and children of fallen and disabled service members. The organization has also expanded its mission to also support the families of America’s first responders.

The crew at Station 9 was honored to welcome retired AFR Captain and U.S. Air Force veteran Greg Aragon back to the house he retired from. Captain Aragon’s father was also among the veterans participating in this week’s New Mexico Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Thank you to Folds of Honor for supporting the families of those who serve this great nation and local communities. Also thanks to the crew of Station 9-A for opening your doors and preparing a great meal.

Residential Structure Fire: 7 Displaced

Yesterday, June 5th, 2026 at approximately 19:44hrs Albuquerque Fire Rescue was dispatched to 7101 Keel Ave NW for reports of a residential structure fire. Engine 18 arrived on scene and reported a working fire with smoke exiting multiple points of the home. Engine 18 stretched a line for fire control and search, Rescue 18 handled EMS needs and Battalion 4 established command. The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes of their arrival. The structure sustained major fire and smoke damage. Two civilians were treated for injuries on scene, one was transported to the hospital. No firefighters were injured. A total of 7 occupants were displaced. They were assisted by management.

For the last three years, I’ve had the opportunity to tell the stories of Albuquerque firefighters through a camera lens.

This week, the assignment was different.

My camera and I traveled to Washington, D.C. with 32 veterans on the 2026 Northern New Mexico Honor Flight. One World War II veteran, one Korean War veteran, two Cold War veterans, and 28 Vietnam veterans. 32 stories of service, sacrifice, loss, love, grief, and... resilience.

Before this trip, the memorials were just water, marble, and bronze to me, but now they are so much more. They are sacred spaces, living and dying with stories, touch, reflection, and tears. Hallowed ground.

Stories shared between old friends at dinner. Stories told to family members for the first time at war memorials. Some stories that had remained untold for decades. And many stories that have been told countless times in sketches, essays, and over drinks.

Some veterans came seeking closure, some came to say goodbye, and some came for the adventure. Some came as strangers and returned as family bound by service. For some, this may be the final chapter, and for others it’s the beginning of a new one.

I expected to photograph powerful moments. What I didn’t expect was how emotional the experience would be.

One lesson I carried home and can relate to, is that not every story needs to be told. Some burdens, sacrifices, and memories belong only to those who lived them. There is honor in sharing them, but there is also honor and a shared understanding of keeping some things unsaid.

It was only three days, but one thing is clear, now I understand why it’s called the Honor Flight.

I was there to document the journey, and I am truly honored for the opportunity to capture this moment in time, help keep these stories alive, and preserve and honor the legends who lived them.

Welcome back.

.sunport

Friday Fleet Update!

AFR’s new water tender is nearing completion and members of the Spec Committee and Fleet Services division will soon be traveling to Florida for final inspection of the apparatus. This tactical water tender is designed to meet the demands of AFR’s response area and water supply challenges.

This apparatus is built on a Freightliner chassis, powered by a Detroit DD13 engine, carries 3,000 gallons of water, 30 gallons of foam, and is equipped with a 500 gallon-per-minute pump. It will be utilized for local wildland response, wildland deployments, and commercial vehicle fires along I-40 and I-25 where a fixed water supply is not available.

This new unit ensures AFR has that capability in-house, improving response times and operational independence. The tender will significantly enhance AFR’s mobile water supply capacity for incidents across the city. With the Rio Grande expected to run dry early this season, it also provides a critical water supply option for Bosque fires and other off-grid incidents.

This apparatus was purchased at a cost of $585,000, with funding secured through Capital Outlay for Station 4 equipment and the support of District 1 City Councilor Stephanie Telles, District 2 City Councilor Joaquin Baca, District 3 City Councilor Klarissa Peña, and District 8 City Councilor Dan Champine. This tender will be housed at Station 4 in Wells Park which is centrally located for city-wide access.

AFR anticipates more than 25 years of reliable service from this unit. This truck is expected to be completed this month and put in service by July.

AFR continues to invest in the equipment and resources needed to meet the evolving demands of the Albuquerque community and emergency response.

On June 2, 2026 at approximately 11:55 pm Albuquerque Fire Rescue was dispatched to 6615 San Blas Pl NW for reports of a fire at a one story, single-family residence. Engine 17 arrived on scene and reported a working fire with smoke showing throughout the structure. The fire presented in offensive conditions. There was one victim rescued and transported to the hospital. The fire was located and was brought under control within 15 minutes of their arrival. Damage to the structure was contained to the room of origin with smoke damage noted through. No injuries of firefighters were reported. The cause was undetermined.

On Sunday, May 31, we experienced a fire at Hops & Dough Taproom. While it was a difficult and stressful moment, we were incredibly fortunate to have the dedicated team from Albuquerque Fire & Rescue respond quickly and professionally. Their courage, skill, and commitment helped protect our people, our guests, and our business when we needed it most.

We are deeply grateful for everything they did, and for the service they provide to our community every single day. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Albuquerque Fire & Rescue. ❤️🚒

We are still here, still serving, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back as we continue moving forward. If you'd like to support a local business during this time, stop by for a pizza, a drink, and a chance to help us write the next chapter.