International cooperation minimizes Alamo Fire growth in two countries

Bombero arm patch. In Spanish, it reads: "Duty. Integrity. Respect. National Wildfire Prevention Program. Mexico." USDA Forest Service photo.

ARIZONA – The Alamo Fire ignited in Mexico on

June 20, southwest of Nogales, Arizona. When the fire crossed the border from Mexico onto the Coronado National Forest the next day, it presented a unique opportunity for cross-border cooperation in fire suppression.

The Nogales Ranger District, Coronado National Forest has worked with Mexican officials on many occasions to minimize wildfire spread along the border. Local and national agreements have been in place for years to facilitate cross-border movement of firefighting resources, following strict protocols, to minimize fire spread.

The agreement was called into service recently on the Alamo Fire. The day of ignition, Nogales Ranger District personnel called Mexican officials and coordinated with members of the Bomberos, firefighters with the National Forestry Commission of Mexico fighting the fire in Mexico. Bomberos couldn’t reach the portion of the fire where they were most needed. A meeting was held with district personnel and officials from U.S. Customs, Santa Cruz County Emergency Management, Sonora, Mexico Emergency Services and other Mexican officials to reach agreement for the Bomberos to enter the U.S. through an official port of entry and then be transported to an access point on the southwest corner of the fire to return to Mexico to engage the fire there.

Bomberos hike to the Alamo Fire on the Mexican side of the Border. USDA Forest Service photo.

Next morning, nine Bomberos were processed by U.S. Customs, outfitted and transported by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office through the port of entry to the southwest flank of the fire. The Mexico Secretary of Defense provided a military unit to provide security for the Bomberos working in Mexico. They stopped the fire’s forward and westerly movement and prevented it from crossing firelines established by U.S. firefighters, spending two nights at the American Incident Command Post.

On June 26, their mission completed, the Bomberos received COVID shots and returned to Mexico. District personnel traveled to Nogales, Sonora to close out with Mexican officials.

The fire burned approximately 8,311 acres in Coronado National Forest and Mexico. Had it not been for the working relationships already in place, coordination and cooperation between the two countries, and the shared goals of safety and fire suppression, the outcome of this incident would not have been the success that was achieved by and for all involved.

Jorge Amaya, Coronado National Forest – Nogales Ranger District, briefs Mexican officials on the Alamo Fire and its challenges. USDA Forest Service photo.

Group photo: Alamo Fire closeout in Mexico. USDA Forest Service photo.

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