### Parque de la Cacho Won’t Be Used for Fire Station No. 1
#### By Ana Karen Ortiz – September 2, 2024
Following strong opposition from the residents of the Madero neighborhood (also known as Cacho) in Tijuana, Mayor Montserrat Caballero Ramírez has decided to abandon the plan to use the Plaza del Policía site on Avenida Aguascalientes for the new Fire Station No. 1.
“This location is not exactly a park; it is mostly used for its trees and shade during specific activities. It is municipal property, and we had to decide where to place the new fire station. However, we have decided to keep this site as a police booth and allow residents to continue using it for recreation,” the mayor explained.
Residents argued that the decision to use the plaza for the fire station was made without consulting them and without conducting proper soil mechanics and environmental impact studies, thereby making the project unviable. Additionally, the plot is too small (only 400 square meters) to house 18 firefighters, two fire trucks, and an ambulance.
“I understand the need for firefighters, but this isn’t the right location. It’s too small. People ask, ‘How can you oppose a fire station?’ but the issue is that firefighters deserve a proper and adequate place to work from, and this isn’t it. No soil mechanics or environmental impact studies were done. As neighbors, we have been the ones maintaining the Plaza del Policía, not the municipality,” commented Erick Quezada, a resident of the neighboring Arboleda Residencial.
#### Firefighters to Remain at Central Station
As for the new location of Fire Station No. 1, Mayor Caballero mentioned that it would move to the Zona Norte area in the city center, where the Central Station is currently situated on Avenida Alberto Aldrete. The station currently houses 22 firefighters, although it was originally designed to accommodate only 18. Now, with the urgent need to integrate the team from the Station 1, the facility houses a total of 40 firefighters.
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### Secondary Article: Tensions Continue Over Fire Station Locations in Tijuana
More details have emerged as Tijuana continues to grapple with where to place its new fire stations.
#### Lack of Progress in Cacho Fire Station Preparations
Despite intentions to develop new fire stations, there has been little progress on the Cacho site. Earlier plans were met with significant resistance, delaying any action.
#### Funding and Support Shortfalls
The Tijuana municipal government has faced additional challenges due to unmet promises for increased funding and support to the fire department. Earlier this month, firefighters expressed their frustration over delays in salary increases and the insufficient impact of their inclusion in municipal benefits programs.
#### Community Opposition
Community members have increasingly opposed the new constructions, citing concerns over inadequate planning and lack of community involvement in decision-making processes. Residents of various areas have highlighted the need for transparent and inclusive planning to ensure that new stations serve both firefighters and the local communities effectively.
As dialogues continue, the city seeks to find a balanced solution that will address the urgent needs of the fire department while also respecting community concerns and involvement in the decision-making process.