Baja California took center stage this week as it hosted the National Civil Protection Meeting for the 2026 Wildfire Season, bringing together experts from all 32 Mexican states to improve coordination and preparedness ahead of peak fire months.
Governor Marina del Pilar led the gathering, which focused on aligning response strategies and strengthening cooperation across agencies when facing environmental emergencies, particularly wildfires.
“We’re building a single, professional national civil protection force,” she said. “In Baja California, we understand that risk management starts with planning. Wildfires don’t respect borders, and protecting communities is a shared responsibility.”
The governor emphasized the need for closer collaboration among federal, state, and local authorities, while also acknowledging President Claudia Sheinbaum for promoting a nationwide approach centered on prevention, early risk detection, and joint action. She added that the state is fully committed to providing the personnel, equipment, and technical resources needed to strengthen civil protection efforts.
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National Civil Protection Coordinator Laura Velázquez highlighted the results of that collaboration, noting that in 2025 Mexico saw a significant drop in both the number of wildfires and the total area affected, despite extreme weather conditions. She credited the improvement to coordinated work among government agencies, the Armed Forces, the National Forestry Commission, specialized firefighting brigades, and local authorities.
This year’s meeting also marks the 40th anniversary of Mexico’s civil protection system and aims to build long-term resilience through training, technology, and international cooperation.
Over three days at the Baja California Center, specialists are sharing modern firefighting tactics through 15 hands-on workshops designed for both local and national response teams.
The event is also breaking new ground as the first binational edition of the meeting. Experts from CAL FIRE, California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, took part in the opening session, leading a course and strengthening cross-border coordination in a region where wildfire risks are shared.
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State Civil Protection Coordinator Salvador Cervantes said Baja California made major gains in 2025, expanding staffing, resources, and community outreach with the governor’s support.
State officials said the meeting reinforces Baja California’s commitment to prevention, cooperation, and readiness as wildfires and other natural hazards continue to pose growing challenges.
