New Mexico Fire Station Reopened After Bat Infestation

Aug. 23, 2012
Albuquerque firefighters are back after a bat infestation led to the evacuation of Fire Station 1 Tuesday.

Albuquerque firefighters are back at the station after a bat infestation led to the evacuation of Fire Station 1 Tuesday, AFD said.

After noticing bats living in the station, AFD called a local wildlife management company and a pest control company, according to a release from the department. The crews were moved to other stations while the team took charge to get rid of the bats.

Forty-five bats were found within the station. Twenty-five were released, and the other 20 were sent to a rehabilitation center for re-hydration, the release said.

"The bat situation has been remedied effectively and humanely, preserving the welfare of the bats and ensuring the safety and comfort of the AFD personnel at the station. No exposures or risk of health issues have been reported, and the exclusion of the bats should provide a permanent solution." said Dr. Mark DiMenna, Deputy Director of the City Environmental Health Department.

6:45 p.m. 8/21/12 -- Bat Infestation Closes Downtown Fire Station

One Albuquerque fire station got rid of an issue Tuesday that drove firefighters absolutely batty.

Crews noticed bats within the ceiling space of Fire Station 1, and crews had to be moved to other stations as the flying pests were dealt with.

AFD spokeswoman Melissa Romero said high frequency electronic pest repellent devices were used. Also, bat-sized holes in the station's exterior will be sealed after the bats leave at night.

Fire crews were staged Downtown temporarily to ensure response times to nearby buildings would not be affected.

An inspection of the Downtown station will be conducted today to make sure the bats have left the building.

Copyright 2012 - Albuquerque Journal, N.M.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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