Fire Breaks Out at Boarded-Up Santa Barbara Apartments in Albuquerque

Fire Breaks Out at Boarded-Up Santa Barbara Apartments in Albuquerque

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Heavy smoke and strong winds forced temporary evacuations in Albuquerque Monday night as Albuquerque Fire Rescue battled a fire at the Santa Barbara Apartments, a boarded-up multifamily complex. Smoke from the blaze was visible for miles over the city as emergency crews responded to the incident.

Firefighters utilized aerial ladders to attack the flames during the Monday night response. Nearby residents faced temporary evacuations due to the heavy smoke and strong winds, expressing anxiety that the fire might jump to neighboring properties.

Resident Accounts and Scene

Aliyah Sanchez, a nearby resident, recounted witnessing the emergency firsthand. I saw the building just up in black smoke. And then I asked the neighbors if they called 911, and they said they did, Sanchez said.

The marc santa barbara ca primary

Sanchez also voiced concerns regarding the potential spread of the fire and the condition of the property. We’re just worried that it might. It might have spread over here, and then, like, I’d have to panic and get all my cats out of the house, Sanchez said. It’s crazy because they were getting it going and fixing it up, which they did a lot. And then this happened again, she added.

Boarded up Complex Catches Fire Again

The boarded-up complex previously caught fire in December of last year. That earlier incident left one person dead and several others without a home, after which the building remained boarded up.

Albuquerque Fire Rescue reported no injuries resulting from Monday night’s fire. Authorities stated that the cause of the fire remains under investigation by AFR.

More on this story: Huntsville Apartment Fire Leaves About 15 Families Displaced

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