Albuquerque Ablaze: Wildfire Scorches Thousands of AcresAlbuquerque Ablaze: Wildfire Scorches Thousands of Acres A raging wildfire has torn through Albuquerque, New Mexico, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The inferno, dubbed the Sandia Peak Fire, has consumed over 10,000 acres and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents. The fire erupted on the eastern slopes of the Sandia Mountains on Sunday evening. Fanned by strong winds and fueled by dry vegetation, the flames quickly spread out of control. By Monday afternoon, the fire had engulfed large swathes of forest, grasslands, and homes. Firefighters from across the region have been battling the blaze around the clock, but their efforts have been hampered by the extreme heat and smoke. Multiple aircraft, including helicopters and fixed-wing planes, have been dropping water and fire retardant to contain the inferno. As of Tuesday morning, the Sandia Peak Fire is only 20% contained. Thousands of acres have been scorched, and hundreds of homes and businesses have been destroyed. The fire has also caused extensive damage to the Sandia Peak Tramway, a popular tourist attraction. Evacuations were ordered for several neighborhoods in Albuquerque, including Sandia Heights, Las Huertas, and portions of Foothills. Over 5,000 people have been forced to leave their homes and seek shelter at evacuation centers. The cause of the Sandia Peak Fire is still under investigation, but officials believe it may have been human-caused. Reckless behavior, such as unattended campfires or discarded cigarettes, can easily ignite dry vegetation during fire season. Air quality in Albuquerque has been severely affected by the wildfire smoke. Residents are advised to stay indoors and wear masks if they go outside. The smoke is also causing respiratory issues for many people, particularly those with underlying health conditions. The wildfire has dealt a devastating blow to Albuquerque and its surrounding communities. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it is clear that the city faces a long and difficult road to recovery.