Pilot credited for response to Albuquerque fire

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- A New Jersey balloon pilot visiting Albuquerque for the New Mexico city's annual balloon fiesta is being credited with alerting local residents to a home fire.

The Albuquerque Journal reports that Christine Serra of Clinton first spotted a small amount of smoke while driving in an Albuquerque neighborhood Monday.

Serra then turned a corner and saw a mobile home engulfed in flames. She got out of her car and ran to nearby homes to warn residents of the danger.

The fire destroyed a mobile home where it started and also damaged a home and an apartment.

Fiesta spokesman Tom Garrity says Serra's actions earned her a "pilot of the day" award on Tuesday.

No people were injured in the fire but a dog died and a cat is injured.

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