ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) is shedding light on a harrowing apartment fire that took place in the International District earlier this year, leaving one person dead and others critically injured. The story is now being revisited through AFR’s podcast series “Tailboards,” which provides firsthand insights into some of the city’s most challenging fire emergencies.
The fire erupted on the evening of Thursday, April 3, in a building that was officially boarded up and considered unoccupied. However, AFR soon discovered that people had been entering the structure through a broken window and living inside. When crews arrived, they found three individuals trapped inside.
“This wasn’t a typical structure fire. The building was boarded up, which made access and rescue operations more complicated,” said AFR spokesperson Lt. Jason Fejer.
AFR crews managed to pull everyone from the burning apartment within ten minutes. Sadly, one victim later died from their injuries, and the other two were hospitalized in critical condition. According to Captain Matt Bodle, the interior conditions made the rescue even more hazardous.
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“There were hoarder-like conditions. We had to push a shopping cart out of the way to get through the door,” Bodle recalled. “Two victims were collapsed near the front entrance — likely trying to escape before collapsing.”
Captain Bodle also emphasized the importance of searching low to the ground in heavy smoke. “You have to change your thinking. Victims aren’t standing — they’re down low, and if you’re only looking straight ahead, you’ll miss them,” he said.
The fire has been a topic of continued reflection among firefighters. AFR’s “Tailboards” podcast allows crews to analyze critical incidents like this one — not only to evaluate their response but also to improve outcomes in future emergencies.
“This platform gives us the opportunity to debrief, learn from each event, and ultimately, do better next time,” said Fejer.
Since the fire, the apartment has been closed by code enforcement. The official cause of the fire remains under investigation.
