Downieville Fire Engine Donated to Mexicali Fire Department

July 18, 2025


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Left to right: Captain Joaquin “Kino” Jimenez, Frank Lang, Baja Bridges National Director Katherine Turner, and Downieville Fire Chief Robert Hall.

Left to right: Captain Joaquin “Kino” Jimenez, Frank Lang, Baja Bridges National Director Katherine Turner, and Downieville Fire Chief Robert Hall.

DOWNIEVILLE — Today, one of the Downieville Volunteer Fire Department’s engines left the town for the last time, with its lights flashing and sirens blaring. The engine was donated to a fire department in Mexicali, Mexico, via the Baja Bridges nonprofit organization. Baja Bridges is a network of volunteers in the northern United States dedicated to providing needed equipment and supplies to agencies and civil organizations in Baja California, with a focus on fire, EMT, and education sectors. The effort was also supported by Rotary Clubs in California.

Fire Chief Robert Hall met with Baja Bridges National Director Katherine Turner and two members of the Tijuana Fire Department—Captain Joaquin “Kino” Jimenez and Firefighter Jorge Valdez—to make the transfer. Unfortunately, an inspection disturbed a wasp nest near the engine compartment, leading to Captain Jimenez receiving two stings. Still, the captain was otherwise satisfied with the Downieville engine. “It’s gonna serve the Mexicali community very well,” said Jimenez. Director Turner explained the tradition for transferring fire engines between assignments: the engine departs with lights and sirens on, and upon arrival at its destination, firefighters push the vehicle into its new station.

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Firefighter and mechanic Jorge Valdez inspects the Downieville engine’s motor.

Firefighter and mechanic Jorge Valdez inspects the Downieville engine’s motor.

The Downieville Fire Department decided to donate the engine after attempting to find a local department to take the vehicle for more than a year. The engine had already been replaced in April of 2024 by a smaller and more agile unit better suited to the region’s narrow and winding roads. Because of its size, the donated vehicle had sustained cosmetic damage from hitting guardrails along Highway 49.

On the drive from Downieville to Mexico, the group will pick up a second engine donated by the Monte Rio Fire Protection District for use in Loreto, Baja California Sur. During a stop in Bakersfield, local firefighters will host the traveling team “to exchange experiences and strengthen cross-border collaboration,” according to a Baja Bridges press release.

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Captain Jimenez starts the drive to Mexico from Station 1 in Downieville.

Captain Jimenez starts the drive to Mexico from Station 1 in Downieville.

Additionally, over 400 books are being donated by the Pocket-Greenhaven Rotary Club, organized by Judy Foote, to benefit schools and libraries in Baja California. Medical supplies by Burke Medical Supplies will also be making their way to the Mulegé Rotary dental clinic in Southern Baja. “This effort is about more than just equipment, it’s about building partnerships and giving communities the tools they need to thrive,” said Turner. “We’re grateful for the generosity and teamwork that make these missions possible.” More information about Baja Bridges is available at bajabridges.org.


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