After four bosque fires, officials warn of July 4th fire risk

Albuquerque officials called on the public to keep an eye out for potential arsonists and firework enthusiasts in the hopes of preventing more fires in the bosque after a string of starts.

Four fires ignited the bosque last week, and officials believe people started each one. Mayor Tim Keller, alongside public safety officials, said the upcoming Fourth of July holiday presents new fire dangers.

“We’re all very excited to celebrate our country and our freedoms, but we also know this can be a very touchy time,” Keller said at a news conference Tuesday.

The mayor and other officials urged residents to report any suspicious activity or illegal fireworks, saying that residents could serve as a critical set of eyes on the vulnerable riverside open space.

All fireworks are prohibited in the bosque and open space areas, as is camping and any kind of open flame, according to Albuquerque Fire Rescue Chief Emily Jaramillo.

To enforce those rules, Keller said that police patrols would focus on high-risk areas and air support units, including helicopters and drones, are being used to spot potential camps or other problematic activities.

The city is also piloting new smoke and heat detection technology in the region, according to Dave Simon, director of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.

While there have been no reported injuries or structural damage in the four fires, Simon said fire can severely damage the ecosystem that thousands enjoy as a recreational space.

“The bosque is not a fire-adapted ecosystem. It did not develop with fire, and it does not benefit from fire, like other types of ecosystems in New Mexico,” Simon said.

He added that fire damages the soil and significantly impacts birds, which begin their nesting seasons in April. Firefighting efforts also damage the area, Simon said.

“The more people down here, the better. The more eyes inside the bosque, the better,” Keller said.