Albuquerque, NM – Person Rescued from Structure Fire at 60th St NW

Albuquerque, NM (January 24, 2026) – Albuquerque Fire Rescue units responded on Wednesday, January 21, to reports of a possible structure fire at the 216 block of 60th Street Northwest in Albuquerque.

Dispatch records indicate crews were sent to the scene at approximately 7:08 a.m., and the incident was quickly confirmed as an active working fire involving an abandoned multi-family residential structure.

Upon confirming the fire, crews initiated coordinated operations focused on both extinguishing the fire and helping those involved.

Emergency responders located an unconscious victim inside the structure. Firefighters removed the person from the building and transferred the patient to crews outside for emergency medical care.

Albuquerque Fire Rescue personnel treated the victim at the scene before Albuquerque Ambulance transported them to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment. The patient’s current condition has not been publicly released.

Fire crews continued working to contain and extinguish the flames, and officials reported the fire was brought under control in approximately 30 minutes.

Authorities indicated the fire remains under investigation as officials work to determine what caused the incident. No further details have been released at this time.

We extend our best wishes to the person rescued and hope for a swift and complete recovery.

What is the leading cause of structure fires in New Mexico?

 Structure fires mainly begin when a heat source comes into contact with combustible materials inside a home or building. Fires may originate from electrical issues, cooking activity, heating equipment, smoking materials, or equipment malfunctions, and the risk can increase when a property is abandoned or not regularly maintained.

In multi-family structures, fires can spread more quickly due to shared walls, interconnected spaces, and limited access points for emergency crews, which can make the incident more dangerous for anyone inside.

Electrical failures are one of the most frequent causes of structure fires, including overloaded circuits, damaged wiring, faulty outlets, or malfunctioning appliances. Unattended cooking is another common fire source, especially when grease ignites or heat is left on without supervision.

Heating equipment, such as space heaters, furnaces, or portable heating devices, can also lead to fires when placed too close to flammable materials or when equipment is damaged or improperly used.

Common injuries resulting from structure fires include smoke inhalation, burns, heat-related injuries, and trauma that occurs during attempts to evacuate. Smoke exposure is especially dangerous because it can lead to respiratory complications, oxygen deprivation, and loss of consciousness, particularly in enclosed spaces where escape routes are limited.

Even when a person survives, recovery may involve hospital treatment, long-term care, and ongoing monitoring for complications.

Following a structure fire, investigators typically assess where the fire originated, examine potential ignition sources, and determine whether any safety or maintenance concerns contributed to the incident. Fire reports and emergency response documentation may later be important for insurance purposes, injury-related claims, or questions involving property safety.

When a structure fire results in injuries, an individual may have options to pursue compensation depending on the circumstances. Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and other losses related to the incident. Because legal deadlines can apply, it may be important to understand applicable timelines when evaluating available next steps.

If you or someone you love was injured in a structure fire in Albuquerque, clear guidance may help you better understand your options. An Albuquerque premises liability lawyer may be able to evaluate available information, explain potential claims, and assist with communication involving insurance carriers while recovery continues.

At Will Ferguson & Associates, we assist fire victims as they navigate complex legal and insurance issues following serious incidents.

Our team of dedicated New Mexico personal injury lawyers focuses on protecting your rights and explaining your options. Call Will Ferguson & Associates at (505) 243-5566 today to speak with our team and learn how we can help you move forward.