Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) is saying two recent fires in the Albuquerque bosque appear to be human-caused. Calls started coming in around 2 p.m. Thursday to report fires near Central and Tingley, on both sides of the river. At the scene, crews found two large fires west of Tingley Beach and east of the river. Both were about 1.5 acres in size, with one on the north and one on the south. The fires were in close proximity, and ultimately became one larger fire which grew to approximately five acres total. Flame lengths were reported to be between 10 and 15 feet.
Fourteen AFR units worked with Corrales Fire Department and Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue to control the fire. It was contained at 3:04 p.m., under control by 8:49 p.m., and out at 9:02 p.m. After getting the fires under control, crews stayed on scene Thursday evening to monitor hot spots. AFR says the two fires are not related, despite being so close together. At some point, flare-ups could be seen coming from the dried branches and grass. The department is saying they donโt have any intentions of closing the bosque, but will be increasing patrols.
