enes

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.

HomeNewsRegion 1 News & InformationBaja California

Mission to Tecate Day 8

on . Posted in Baja California

After a long drive yesterday from San Felipe we had a good dinner and a good rest. This morning we went to the Main Tecate fire station to say good by. As in the past, we loaded up a dozen oos air paks and 40 out of date air bottles along with several items that were repairable. You See, we have been taking them back to refurbish or surplus and then we return the serviceable items back the following year. When we make a committment to provide assistance with safety equipment we are serious. We are working to help maintain their bottles and paks and other gear in serviceable condition to our standards here in the US when ever possible.

After loading up, we said our goodbyes and made it across the border with little trouble. Our day was full as we made contacts with our southern Ca friends and spent time at a very friendly and helpful Fire Etc.. Fire Etc. is a apparatus and equipment broker of fire related items(picture of entry wall fire etc.)We are looking actively for an engine for Ayutla (see previous blogs) and stopped by to look at a couple of engines. After a couple hours we were on our way and battled the traffic as long as we could ending up in colton, Ca next to San Bernadino.

Tomorrow we pick up donations , stopping in Pasadena, and Bakersfield before we get to Sacramento. The next day we stop at Folsom (pick up air paks), Lathrop-Manteca (who donated one engine this past year) and Turlock (who donated two) to meet them finally and press the flesh to put a face with the voices. We will talk soon. good night and be safe.

Tags: Missions

Accepting Donations

We need your help to continue to be able to serve our brothers in need. Please consider making a donation.

Non Profit

Firefighters Crossing Borders is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Tax ID #: 33-1148556.

Supported by

Logo
Logo

Mailing List