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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2nd Half of Sunday/ “Back in the USA”…

on 30 March 2009. Posted in Baja California

Once we were state-side we headed north to SDFD Station #19 (where Marcelo works; E19) and dropped off the trailer so we could get around a little better. Our 1st stop in SD was the SDFD Museum, where Nick and Michael were kind enough to stay late and let us rummage around their antiques (several apparatus’, equipment, etc.; the museum is actually an old station); VERY COOL!!!! Wish them both well as they continue to test for career FF jobs.

Our next stop was to Firehouse Brewery, a top notch business owned by two of SDFD’s finest, Capt. Chris Finch and FF JT Finch. We were treated to all of their beers (Leatherhead was my favorite) and an in depth tour of their operation. Mark and JT talked “brewing” while the rest of us enjoyed the product and listened without really understanding. Look for Firehouse in Washington by summer!!!!

Our last stop of the day was to the home of FFCB’s own Capt. Rich Smith of Santee Fire. His wife Toni, and daughters Kaila and Jenna, were welcoming and treated us far too well. We were set up for the night and shared pictures and videos our this years training with Rich (he was unable to come down this year due to a work conflict).Â Rich was jonesing for getting down to Tecate and spending some time with the Bomberos, and again pledged to be with us next year.

Tune in soon for our commentary about Monday…… Drive On!!!

Tags: Tecate Missions

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