City Expands Bosque Fire Prevention and Response Efforts Ahead of Peak Fire Season

ALBUQUERQUE – As Albuquerque enters the height of fire season, the City is expanding coordinated efforts across departments to reduce wildfire risk, improve response times, and protect the Rio Grande Bosque through prevention, preparedness, enforcement, and emerging technology.

With ongoing dry conditions and increased seasonal fire risk, Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR), Albuquerque Police Department (APD), and Parks & Recreation Department (PRD) are working together to strengthen wildfire readiness and public safety across open spaces and high-priority areas of the Bosque.

“We know this is a challenging fire season, and we’re taking it seriously,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Protecting the Bosque takes more than one solution. We’re combining prevention, targeted technology, stronger coordination, and rapid response so we can detect fires sooner, respond faster, and better protect one of Albuquerque’s most treasured places.”

AFR continues to expand wildfire preparedness efforts and operational readiness throughout the season. Level 1 Open Space Patrols began May 2, and Level 2 Open Space Patrols, which increase coverage and duration started June 24.

AFR’s Wildland Task Force remains prepared daily with 34 personnel operating from five Wildland Task Force Stations positioned to support rapid response during elevated fire conditions. AFR will also implement Wildland Standby Announcements based on daily weather conditions to increase readiness as needed. By July, a new 3,000-gallon water tender is expected to enter service to support wildfire response efforts and address challenges created by low river conditions.

"AFR has taken proactive steps by increasing Bosque Patrols and staffing additional wildland units due to the historically dry conditions and very high fire danger", said Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo. "Our firefighters are ready to respond, but the best outcome is one where we don't have to. We ask everyone to celebrate responsibly so we can all enjoy a safe Fourth of July."

The City’s Open Space Division continues proactive work in the Bosque focused on reducing fire risk before fires start or spread. That work includes hazardous fuel reduction, vegetation management, restoration efforts, improved firefighter access routes, and coordination with regional response partners. This spring, Open Space completed a major fuel reduction and restoration project on approximately 18 acres north of Campbell Road, one of the City’s highest-priority treatment areas based on fuel load studies. The project represents the first phase of a larger effort that will ultimately treat approximately 120 acres, with additional work planned this fall. Additional fire prevention work is also planned in areas south of Central on the west side of the Bosque.

As part of that effort, the City continues expanding its deployment of TORCH fire detection technology throughout the Bosque. Originally launched as a pilot program in 2025, the system uses heat, visual, thermal, and chemical indicators associated with smoke and flame to identify potential outdoor fires and provide earlier warning to emergency responders. In 2025, the city deployed 18 TORCH sensors in the bosque.  Over the past year, the City and TORCH Systems evaluated the pilot system’s performance in real-world Bosque conditions and used those lessons to improve deployment and response coordination.  In several cases, the system detected fires before emergency calls were received.

TORCH Systems also used the pilot project to improve the technology itself. The City is now deploying additional second-generation TORCH detectors while continuing to utilize original sensors already operating in other sections of the Bosque. The city now has 29 TORCH sensors deployed and depending on final placement and operational needs, the City could ultimately expand to approximately 90 sensors across priority areas extending from Dolores Huerta Boulevard to Alameda.

“The Bosque is one of Albuquerque’s greatest assets, and protecting it means staying ahead of the threat,” said Parks & Recreation Director Dave Simon. “We’re reducing fuels, improving access, expanding technology, and giving responders more time where minutes matter most.”

As part of ongoing efforts to promote a safe Fourth of July holiday and protect Albuquerque’s open spaces, APD has increased patrols throughout the Bosque to help prevent fires, address safety concerns, and educate the community on responsible use of the area.

Conservation Officers and Open Space Officers are conducting active patrols using foot patrols, bicycles, vehicles, UTVs, ATVs, drones, and, when conditions allow, boat patrols. The Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) will also deploy drones to support coordination and situational awareness in areas where officers are working on the ground. Officers are monitoring for unauthorized camping, smoking in restricted areas, unauthorized vehicles, illegal fires, and other activities that increase safety concerns or fire risk.

To strengthen Fourth of July readiness, APD is partnering with AFR to deploy additional public safety resources citywide. Four APD officers will be assigned alongside AFR personnel in each of the city’s four quadrants to support enforcement, prevention, and emergency response efforts.

“APD’s Open Space officers continues to be proactive in the Bosque through patrols, education, enforcement when needed,” said APD Chief of Police, Cecily Barker. “As we prepare for the Fourth of July weekend, we are reminding residents that small actions can make a big difference. Follow fire restrictions and celebrate responsibly.” 

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in effect year-round across Albuquerque Open Spaces:

• No Smoking
  • No Fireworks
  • No Open Fires
  • No Camping

Residents and visitors are encouraged to follow all fire restrictions, use fireworks responsibly and legally, and report unsafe or suspicious activity. Everyone plays a role in protecting Albuquerque’s open spaces and reducing wildfire risk.

To report fire or smoke, call 911.
To report suspicious activity, call 242-COPS.
To report non-emergency concerns in Open Space areas, call 311.