2 men found dead in SE ABQ fire

Matthew Reisen, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·1 min read

Feb. 23—ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The bodies of two men were discovered in a home that caught fire early Tuesday morning in Southeast Albuquerque.

Albuquerque Fire Rescue spokesman Tom Ruiz said it is unclear if the men died as a result of the fire and Albuquerque police is assisting in the investigation.

Crews around 6:45 a.m. responded to the fire, which was at a home in the 700 block of Kathryn SE, near Avenida Cesar Chavez and Interstate 25.

Ruiz said arriving firefighters found smoke billowing from the single-story house and those who tried to search inside were forced to retreat.

"Interior fire crews were met with extreme fire conditions while inside and as a result it was determined to switch from an offensive attack to defensive operations," he said.

Fire crews made a hole in the attic to get water inside, dousing the flames with 2,000 gallons per minute, he said. After 20 minutes, the fire was "under control" and the home was searched.

"Two bodies were found deceased inside of the home," he said. "Their identities have not been confirmed and the cause of death is being investigated."