Gypsy Jan - 6-23-2006 at 11:28 PM
CDF Firefighters Return from Mexico
By: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Published: Jun 22, 2006 at 11:28
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Firefighters with the California Department of Forestry and Fire
Protection (CDF) are returning Friday from Mexico after battling a
4,000 acre wildfire in Baja California Norte.
Firefighters from CDF responded to Mexico after California Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger's Office approved a request by Baja California
Gov. Eugenio Elorduy Walther on Saturday, June 17. Two engine strike
teams with a total of ten engines were sent out on Sunday night after
an advance team of two fire chiefs and a captain responded to the
incident. CDF firefighters were assigned to the fire on Monday, June
19 and worked side by side with local firefighters.
This is believed to be the first time that CDF personnel have
traveled so far beyond the border to assist its neighbor. The fire
was located approximately 300 miles south of the US border. Under
longstanding agreements through the Border Agency Fire Council
response agreements are in place for assistance for one mile over
each side of the border. A response this far into Mexico required
thorough planning and logistical support. CDF had a total of 54
personnel assigned across the border. CDF was able to fill the
request while still remaining ready to respond to any wildfires here
in California.
Why are positive and inspiring cross-border events like this ignored by the U.S. media?
I saw the returning CDF deployment lining up in formation to wait for all of their vehicles to pass through the toll gate in Rosarito, accompanied by
a full honor guard escort from the Mexican authorities.
I waved and gave the thumbs up out of my car window, but I wish I had taken pictures.