About Baja California

Before becoming a state in 1953, the area was known as the North Territory of Baja California. It has an area of 70,113 km² (27,071 sq mi), or 3.57% of the land mass of Mexico and comprises the northern half of the Baja California peninsula, north of the 28th parallel. The state is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean, on the east by Sonora, the U.S. State of Arizona, and the Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez), and on the south by Baja California Sur. Its northern limit is the U.S. state of California.

The state has a population of 2,844,469 (2005 census), and estimated 3,165,776 (June 2009) much more than the sparsely populated Baja California Sur to the south, and similar to San Diego County, California on its north. Over 75% of the population lives in the capital city, Mexicali, in Ensenada, or in Tijuana. Other important cities include San Felipe, Rosarito and Tecate.

Baja California is where it all began, our visit to Tecate in 1999 started us on our path. We began working with the city of Tecate and the Bomberos from around the state. We have been working to bring agencies representing millions of citizens in the State together for more collaborative training and operations. Where borders were distinct and rarely crossed there is now more mutual assistance and development of resources.

In 2009, we began working with the group Bomberos De San Diego, a group of San Diego Fire firefighters that work in the area doing similar work. We partnered to bring training to Tecate initially and eventually worked in Tijuana Bomberos and were able to organize regional training at both Tecate and Tijuana inviting bomberos from around the area. Today, being one of the largest Cities in Mexico, we regularly rely on these Bomberos to assist us in our training.

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Mission to Tecate Days 5 & 6

on 01 May 2007. Posted in Baja California

I am writing on computer in Ensenada, BC having left Tecate very early. Yesterday was Labor day all accross mexico and no computers were available. I wanted to quickly update everyone.

Yesterday we spent the whole day with training and extrication. Scott lead a informative class on vehicle stabilization and we then proceeded to spend the afternoon cutting on two vehicles. Putting the training from last year along with the saws-alls and Hi lift jacks with their only Amkus hydraulic system to come away with a great day. Later that evening We treated the Bomberos(firefighters) to an old fashion movie and popcorn at the fire station. We set up the projector and Tyson played Rescue 49 on his DVD. Boy try buying popcorn to make here. We finally did and our amigos loved it.

Leaving early for Ensenada we stopped by and met the chiefs of the Bomberos and Civil Proteccion ( Government fire department) and exchanged cards and talked of finding a way for the departments in the area could pool resources to provide mutual training. Equipment is always in dire need and we got an earfull of theirs. Both Ensenada and Tecate are fast growing cities with a million people between them. We are excited to see what we can help make happen.

We are on our way to San Felipo on the Gulf of Mexico for a day off before heading back which we plan to do on Friday. So long for now.

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