County fire stations open doors to trick-or-treaters

Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue crews will greet trick-or-treaters at all 14 of the department's fire stations on Halloween night, Saturday, Oct. 31, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Candy will be distributed while supplies last, the county said in an Oct. 30 announcement.

"We are excited to share another fun Halloween celebration with the community we so proudly serve," Chief Zach Lardy said. "Operation Boo is an opportunity for our firefighters to engage with you at our fire stations. We welcome all to stop by and see us this Halloween."

Five stations sit in the north: Station 30 at 6697 Fourth St. NW, Station 31 at 9818 Second St. NW, Station 35 at 11700 Paseo Del Norte NE, Station 36 at 501 Bear Canyon Ln. NW and Station 39 at 10700 Apache Plume Dr.

Four stations serve the east: Station 40 at 48 Public School Rd. in Tijeras, Station 41 at 10838 Hwy 337 in Tijeras, Station 43 at 4 Dressage Rd. in Tijeras and Station 46 at 25 Frost Rd. in Sandia Park.

In the south are Station 32 at 1701 Arenal Rd. SW, Station 33 at 3909 Barcelona Rd. SW, Station 34 at 2801 Don Felipe Rd. SW and Station 66 at 12300 Central Ave. SW.

The department's Fire Prevention Bureau asked families to check costume labels for fire-retardant materials, give children a flashlight or glow stick, supervise candle lighting in jack-o'-lanterns, accompany children while trick-or-treating and inspect all candy before it is eaten. Deputy Fire Marshal Capt. Dustin Sadberry said lights or reflective gear, attention to traffic and keeping costumes and decorations away from open flames help keep the night safe.