Local authorities in New Mexico are working to contain a fire they said is burning “out of control” outside of a plastic recycling facility.
The incident prompted an air quality alert in Bernalillo Co. on Sunday evening as crews continued battling the multi-alarm fire, which is taking place just south of Albuquerque.
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Bernalillo County Fire Rescue said the fire started outside of the Atkore facility in the 5300 block of Hawking Drive around 2:38 p.m. local time, and the building has since been evacuated of personnel.
Albuquerque Fire Rescue said the fire involves “structures, product, and vehicles,” and warned the public to stay away from Bobby Foster Road and University Blvd SE.
The fire has, so far, not impacted flights at the regional airport, according to the ABQ Sunport.
The city’s Environmental Health Dept. advised residents to stay inside and keep their windows and doors closed to protect their respiratory health.
Lisa Winter, Atkore vice president for communications, sent a statement to the Washington Examiner about the fire early Monday.
“On August 6, at approximately 2:30 pm Mountain Time, a fire broke out in the exterior yard of Atkore’s United Poly Systems facility, located on Hawking Drive in Albuquerque, NM. Fire officials have been on the scene and working diligently to contain the fire away from the facility. We can confirm that no Atkore employees were injured. The health and safety of our employees and the local community are our primary concern. We are currently assessing the situation, and are cooperating with the appropriate authorities including regarding determining the cause of the fire. We will communicate further information as it becomes available to Atkore.”
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A health alert was also published for Albuquerque and Bernalillo County residents late Sunday evening due to “smoke [that] contains hazardous air pollutants,” and expires Monday morning.
The alert explicitly stated: “This smoke is unhealthy for everyone, and people should limit outdoor activity tonight in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.”
