The Huntington Beach Fire Department (HBFD) recently donated surplus fire equipment to firefighters in Mexico. The equipment was donated to three municipal fire departments – Bahia de Tortugas, Magdalena Bay, and La Paz.

City Harbour Commissioner Dee Wood initiated the process to obtain the surplus fire equipment and helped to facilitate the donation. In early November, a group of boats called CUBAR Odyssey traveled the length of the Baja Peninsula, delivering the equipment along the way. The group of volunteers also included two HBFD Marine Safety Ocean Lifeguards, Sean McGlynn and Jake Duarte, who volunteered on their own time to assist with the trip.

The equipment donation included air packs, boots, face masks, fire hose, and uniforms. Because of industry guidelines, the equipment is no longer usable by the Huntington Beach Fire Department; however, it is still functional. 

The equipment was delivered to representatives of the three Fire Departments, who were very appreciative of the donation. These Departments have limited equipment available and plan to use the items for both urban and wildland firefighting.