Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue

It’s baby quail season! 🐥

Our crews respond to baby quail rescue calls quite often during the summer months as quail families are on the move and young chicks can become separated from their parents. In both of our recent rescues, the chicks had fallen into storm drains.

If you come across baby quail or other young wildlife, the best thing you can do is leave them where they are. Well-intentioned attempts to move or handle them can make it harder for them to reunite with their family.

If you’re concerned that an animal is injured or truly in distress, give Rio Rancho Fire Rescue a call. We’ll assess the situation and coordinate with the appropriate wildlife resources to ensure the animal receives the care it needs.

Our Fire Prevention Team had a great time visiting the students at Springstone Montessori School!

During the visit, firefighters helped students become familiar with what firefighters look like while wearing full protective gear, helping reduce fear in the event of an emergency. The team also shared age-appropriate fire safety lessons, including what to do if they ever encounter a fire and how firefighters are there to help.

We love opportunities to connect with the youngest members of our community and help build confidence through fire safety education. Thank you to Springstone Montessori School for welcoming us!

Congratulations to the newest members promoted within Rio Rancho Fire Rescue.

On Friday, we had the privilege of recognizing the hard work, dedication, and leadership of four Fire Medics, two Captains, one Battalion Chief, and one Deputy Chief as they officially took the next step in their careers.

Promotions represent more than a new rank—they reflect years of commitment to serving our community, supporting one another, and continually striving for excellence.

Please join us in congratulating each of these members on this well-earned achievement. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they’ll continue to make for our department and the citizens we serve.

On July 11, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Rio Rancho Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to the area of Southern Blvd. and 60th St. NW for reports of a side-by-side rollover with multiple injured occupants. Due to the location of the crash, the Rio Grande Basin Rescue Team was activated to assist with a high-angle rope rescue operation.

Upon arrival, crews found the side-by-side had rolled to the bottom of a steep ravine. One occupant was able to self-extricate, while the remaining five patients were safely rescued using technical rope rescue systems.

Several patients sustained serious injuries. Two were airlifted to UNM Hospital by Classic Air Medical and CareFlight, while the remaining patients were transported by ground ambulance with assistance from Rio Rancho Fire Rescue and Sandoval County Fire Rescue.

This incident highlights the importance of interagency collaboration during complex emergencies. The coordinated efforts of Rio Rancho Fire Rescue, the Rio Grande Basin Rescue Team, Sandoval County Fire Rescue, our law enforcement partners, air medical crews, and emergency dispatchers allowed all six patients to be safely extricated from a challenging environment and rapidly transported for definitive care.

We are grateful for the professionalism, teamwork, and dedication demonstrated by everyone involved in this response.

On July 8 at approximately 16:50, Rio Rancho Fire Rescue crews responded to reports of a residential structure fire. Battalion 5 arrived on scene and established command of a confirmed working attic fire.

Firefighters made an aggressive interior attack, quickly bringing the fire under control before completing extinguishment and overhaul operations. The home was then turned back over to the homeowners.

There were no reported injuries.

On July 6, at 17:20, Rio Rancho Fire Rescue units were dispatched to multiple reports of an apartment fire.

Engine 10 arrived on scene and established command of an exterior fire that was threatening a nearby apartment building. As a precaution, all occupants of the building were evacuated while crews worked to contain the fire.

The fire was quickly brought under control. Crews conducted a thorough assessment for fire extension into the structure and ventilated the building to remove smoke. The fire did not extend into the occupied apartments, and residents were subsequently allowed to return to their homes.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Today marks a milestone for Rio Rancho Fire Rescue.

For the first time in recent history, we staffed a five-person crew made up entirely of paramedics. While this is not a permanent staffing model, it represents an exciting glimpse of where our department is headed.

For years, our goal has been to increase the number of Advanced Life Support (ALS) providers serving the City of Rio Rancho. Reaching this milestone reflects the investment our department has made in education, training, and professional development, as more of our personnel continue advancing their skills to better serve our community.

Every additional paramedic on the street strengthens our ability to deliver advanced, lifesaving care when minutes matter most. Today’s achievement is more than just a staffing milestone, it’s another step forward in our ongoing commitment to providing the highest level of emergency medical care to the citizens of Rio Rancho.

Congratulations to today’s crew and to everyone who has contributed to the growth of our department. Milestones like this are only possible because of the dedication and hard work of our personnel.

Happy Independence Day from all of us at Rio Rancho Fire Rescue!

Today, we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy and honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our nation. We hope everyone has a fun, memorable holiday with family and friends.

As you celebrate, please do so safely and responsibly:
• Only use fireworks where they are legal.
• Keep fireworks away from dry grass, brush, and other combustible materials.
• Have a bucket of water or a hose nearby.
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks without close adult supervision.
• If you see smoke or fire, call 911 immediately.

Let’s all do our part to help keep our community safe so everyone can enjoy a happy and fire-safe Fourth of July.

Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸🚒

Rio Rancho Fire Rescue crews are conducting proactive patrols throughout the bosque leading up to Independence Day.

Our crews are patrolling:
📍 Willow Creek
📍 Rio Rancho Bosque Preserve
📍 The surrounding Rio Rancho bosque corridor

These patrols help us quickly identify and respond to any fire activity during one of the busiest times of the year for wildland fire risk.

🎆 Fireworks Safety Reminder
• Never use fireworks near dry grass, brush, or other vegetation.
• Even a single spark can quickly ignite a fast-moving wildfire.

🚨 If you see an active fire, call 911 immediately.
🌫️ If you see smoke and are unsure of the source, call our non-emergency line at (505) 891-7226 to request a smoke check.

Help us protect our bosque this Independence Day. Together, we can keep our community safe. 🇺🇸🚒