City Urges Vigilance Following Series of Bosque Fires

In response to a concerning string of fires in the Bosque, City officials are urging the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activity as investigations point to human-caused origins, including at least one confirmed case of arson. 

Over the past week, Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) has responded to multiple brush fires in the Bosque. On Saturday, June 21, Albuquerque Police Department’s Open Space Unit arrested a suspect in connection to a fire near Alameda and the Rio Grande. Investigators are working to determine if the individual is connected to other recent fires. Los Lunas and Valencia County have also been fighting a series of man-made fires. 

To help monitor and protect the Bosque, the City is piloting new smoke and heat detection technology. These sensors detected last week’s fire near Tingley from over a half mile away. This promising technology can be a force multiplier for the City. APD and AFR are also utilizing helicopters, drones, and airboats to have additional eyes on the Bosque.

“These incidents are a stark reminder that our Bosque is vulnerable, and we’re asking every resident to help keep it safe by staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activity,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Albuquerque is ramping up patrols, adding new technology to monitor open space and standing ready to support our neighbors to the south.” 

AFR emphasizes that fires are strictly prohibited in the Bosque. Level 2 Open Space Patrols remain active, with additional crews monitoring ahead of the Fourth of July. 

How the public can help: 

• Call 911 immediately to report any fire or smoke in the Bosque or open space.
• Call 242-COPS to report suspicious behavior.
• Call 311 to report encampments or non-emergency issues in open spaces. 

The City reminds the public to celebrate the season safely . Fireworks labeled “Warning” are illegal in Albuquerque, while those marked “Caution” are legal for use. Always use fireworks outdoors in a clear, open area, far from buildings and dry vegetation. Keep a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of emergencies, and place used fireworks in the water before disposal. Never allow children to handle fireworks, and always supervise them closely—especially with sparklers, which can burn at temperatures up to 2,000 degrees. 

“Public awareness is one of our most important tools, and when residents speak up, we can act faster to stop dangerous situations,” said AFR Chief Emily Jaramillo. “We are significantly increasing patrols across Albuquerque to deter potential arsonists and catch suspicious behavior before it leads to disaster.”

“Arson targeting our Bosque and open spaces is a direct attack on our community,” said APD Chief Harold Medina. “Our officers are fully committed to bringing perpetrators to justice.

Community can also volunteer for the Trail Watch Volunteer Program. These volunteers patrol areas of their choice and record observations, report problems and needs, and educate the public on proper resource use.

“We know people love the Bosque, and they can help protect it by being our eyes and ears,” said Dave Simon, Director of Parks and Recreation.

Volunteer info is available at oneabqvolunteers.com

The full media briefing from today is available at One Albuquerque Media’s Youtube channel.