ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Albuquerque Fire rescue crews have put out nearly 1,000 outside fires since the beginning of the year, which have threatened nearby homes and businesses. Now, the Albuquerque Police Department is helping hold fire starters accountable. The city calls it a “proactive tac plan” where APD and AFR both respond as firefighters put out the flames, police are now increasingly citing the people who sparked the fire.
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Zero tolerance is what Albuquerque police officers and fire fighters have for the growing number of outdoor fires they’re seeing in 2025. They’re now two months into a new plan, teaming APD with AFR crews with the hope of cracking down on dangerous fires. “There’s an enforcement element because it is illegal to have burning on sidewalks and parking lots and all those places that were finding those fires,” said Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo, AFR.
AFR has now seen 900 outside fires since January 1. When crews arrive on scene, APD is there to address anyone who might have a history but also to issue misdemeanor citations for “improper handling of a fire.” “Talking to our firefighters, they feel safer on the nights APD is out,” said Jaramillo.
Along with police, AFR said it’s often calling Albuquerque Community Safety to fire scenes to offer other help for the homeless living outside in the cold months. “There’s the human element that these are people that are trying to stay warm and need to get to shelter, so it’s really a complicated issue,” said Jaramillo.
While there is an increased citation component to the outdoor fire tac plan, Fire Chief Jaramillo said it’s for a good reason. “We’re really trying to keep the community safe as a whole, whether we’re talking about the people at encampments that are lighting the fires, but also our businesses or residents that are suffering from some of the consequences when those fires are unattended,” said Jaramillo.
Albuquerque police couldn’t tell KRQE News 13 exactly how many people they’ve cited as part of this tac plan, but they gave us an example saying on one night across five different scenes they cited 11 people for improper fire handling. Those citations can lead to a $500 fine or up to six months in jail.