ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) responded to a brush fire Saturday afternoon near the BioPark Botanic Garden, where flames and smoke were seen rising from the east side of the Rio Grande.
The fire was reported shortly before 4:00 p.m., prompting AFR to dispatch its full Wildland Task Force to the scene. Viewer video captured charred grass and flames along trails near the garden.
Crews worked for about 90 minutes to fully contain and extinguish the fire. AFR estimates that no more than half an acre was burned. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among firefighters or civilians.
While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, AFR believes it was likely human-caused. This incident follows a series of recent fires in the area, two of which were also determined to be started by human activity.
AFR continues to investigate the scene and is urging the public to remain cautious, especially in areas with dry vegetation.
