Celebrate Firemen's Day, or Dia de Los Bomberos, on August 22nd, 2008 in Playa del Carmen!

Dia de Los Bomberos, as it is known here, is recognized throughout the world with the exception of the U.S and Canada. It is particularly big in Latin America, where the populace is very aware that the fire protection they count on is largely a volunteer effort. Playa Del Carmen, in the heart of the Riviera Maya, is fortunate to have a well equipped, professional, fire department. Its history is short because Playa del Carmen was just a small village not that long ago......

A volunteer "bucket brigade" was formed in 1995 after a visiting tourist lost his R.V to an electrical fire. By 1998 there was a full-time force of eight men, without a lot of equipment, but with a firehouse. The year 2,000 saw the arrival of Playa del Carmen's first fire truck, a 1964 Seagraves donated by sister city, Glendale, Colorado. That's the white fire truck we now see on the roof of the fire station as a remembrance. That truck, and the men who operated it, saved many lives. That's why it sits there.

Now, in 2008 Playa del Carmen's Fire Department is recognized as the best, most well organized, and effective team in the state. Fire fighters from Cancun, Cozumel , Chetumal, and indeed all over the country come to Playa del Carmen every year for training at the annual Academy in April. The force, comprising about 50, now has around 20 vehicles including 13 trucks, pumpers, tankers, 3 ambulances, and a 75 foot ladder truck. They've also just acquired an all-weather rescue boat.

The department currently responds to about 700 calls per year, and not just for fires. The entire force is trained in urban rescue techniques, first aid, and CPR. Their 3 victim ambulances are equipped with the "Jaws of Life" so they can extricate accident victims much faster than the private ambulances. Dangerous wild animals, poisonous snakes, hornets nests; the call goes to the fire dept. They maintain extensive coordination with Civil Protection and other emergency service workers, particularly during hurricane season.

The dedicated firemen who make up the force do it to help their community, not for money, of which they don't receive much. Rather their own fundraising efforts bring in resources for much needed equipment. You can help out by buying a tee shirt at www.bomberosrivieramaya.com

Permission to re-print this artilce was given by Scott Novak, Publisher and Editor of Playa del Carmen Tourist Information Magazine. If you would like further information on the magazine please contact Scott at: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

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