Albuquerque Firefighters Train with Upgraded Wildland Gear

New equipment and annual training help prepare Albuquerque Fire Rescue for wildfire season.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:06am

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Albuquerque Fire Rescue and other agencies are gearing up for wildfire season with new equipment and training. The department has added a new type 5 engine with a 500-gallon water tank to enhance their water capacity for fighting wildfires. Firefighters are also undergoing annual training to ensure they are certified to operate the specialized wildland firefighting equipment.

Why it matters

Albuquerque and the surrounding region have seen an increase in the frequency and severity of wildfires in recent years due to drought conditions and climate change. Ensuring firefighters have the proper training and equipment to respond effectively to these threats is crucial for protecting lives and property.

The details

Albuquerque Fire Rescue Lt. Eric De La Torre emphasized the importance of the annual training to certify all firefighters to operate the specialized wildland engines and equipment. The new type 5 engine they've added has a 500-gallon water tank, significantly increasing their water capacity compared to standard engines. This is important because in wildland firefighting, there is often no dedicated water source like the hydrant system available in the city.

  • Wildfire season typically begins around March in the Albuquerque region.
  • Albuquerque Fire Rescue conducts this annual wildland firefighting training at least once per year.

The players

Albuquerque Fire Rescue

The fire department serving the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, responsible for responding to fires, medical emergencies, and other emergencies within the city limits.

Lt. Eric De La Torre

A lieutenant with Albuquerque Fire Rescue who oversees the department's wildland firefighting training and equipment.

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What they’re saying

“We do this at least once a year to make sure all the members are certified to drive are able to come out here and get their certifications and having certified engine operators helps with our mission of protecting property, life.”

— Lt. Eric De La Torre, Lieutenant, Albuquerque Fire Rescue (kob.com)

“This year we just got this new type five engine that, it increased our water capacity. So that type 5 has a 500-gallon tank. So we rely on those tanks in the wildland setting.”

— Lt. Eric De La Torre, Lieutenant, Albuquerque Fire Rescue (kob.com)

“The nice thing about the city, that we have a hydrant system. Hydrant systems are able to provide us water almost every street. In the wildland setting it's a little different. We're not going to have a dedicated water source.”

— Lt. Eric De La Torre, Lieutenant, Albuquerque Fire Rescue (kob.com)

“So we have to rely on what we carry with us. So on every engine, it has its own capacity, its own water storage.”

— Lt. Eric De La Torre, Lieutenant, Albuquerque Fire Rescue (kob.com)

What’s next

Albuquerque Fire Rescue confirmed that all their firefighters are red card trained, but the wildland task force training is the next step in their preparation for the upcoming wildfire season.

The takeaway

Albuquerque Fire Rescue's investment in new wildland firefighting equipment and annual training for its firefighters demonstrates the department's commitment to enhancing its capabilities to respond effectively to the growing threat of wildfires in the region. This proactive approach helps ensure the safety of both firefighters and the community they serve.