Albuquerque Fire Rescue responded to a nighttime blaze at the Santa Barbara Apartments, a vacant multifamily complex on the city’s north side, on Monday. Heavy smoke and strong winds forced temporary evacuations of homes adjacent to the property.

Residents describe the scene

Aliyah Sanchez, who lives nearby, said she saw the building “just up in black smoke.” She called neighbors to confirm that 911 had been dialed and added, “We’re just worried that it might spread over here, and then I’d have to panic and get all my cats out of the house.”

Firefighters’ response

Fire crews deployed aerial ladders to reach the upper floors and used water streams to contain the flames. Smoke from the fire was visible for miles across the city, prompting the fire department to issue a precautionary advisory for residents to keep windows closed and limit outdoor activity until the smoke cleared.

History of the complex

The Santa Barbara Apartments suffered a previous fire in December of last year. That incident claimed one life and left several residents homeless. Since then the building has remained boarded up while owners attempted repairs. The recent blaze reignited concerns about the safety of abandoned structures in the neighborhood.

Investigation continues

Albuquerque Fire Rescue confirmed that no injuries were reported in the latest incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials have asked anyone with information to contact the department. The fire department also reminded the public that abandoned properties can become magnets for illegal activity and accidental fires, urging property owners to secure vacant buildings promptly.

Community impact

Neighbors expressed frustration that the building, which was slated for renovation, continues to pose a hazard. “It’s crazy because they were getting it going and fixing it up, which they did a lot. And then this happened again,” Sanchez said. Local leaders have been urged to prioritize the cleanup and redevelopment of vacant properties to prevent future emergencies.

What’s next?

The fire department will continue monitoring the site for any lingering hot spots and will work with city officials to assess whether additional safety measures are needed. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the Albuquerque Fire Rescue website and local news outlets for updates on the investigation and any further evacuation notices.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.