The Heroic Fire Department of Mexico City (HCBCM) is celebrating its 170th anniversary today, January 25, 2026, with a commemorative parade. The procession will travel through the streets of the Historic Center to the Monument to the Revolution, paying tribute to the men and women who have protected the capital for generations.
A Legacy of Bravery and Dedication
Beyond the festivities, this event highlights the fundamental role played by firefighters, whose work has left an indelible mark on the collective memory of the city. Their history is filled with countless emergencies attended, lives saved, and risks prevented.
A pivotal moment in the corporation’s history occurred in 1951, following the devastating fire at the “La Sirena” hardware store, where 12 firefighters tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. In the aftermath of this incident, President Miguel Alemán Valdés officially bestowed the title of “Heroic” upon the institution, recognizing their unwavering dedication and courage.
The department’s participation in critical situations, such as the hurricane that ravaged Tampico and Puerto Madero in 1933, and the protection provided to President Francisco I. Madero during the March of Loyalty, serve as powerful examples of the legacy that has forged their prestigious reputation.
From Colonial Origins to Modern-Day Heroes
The origins of fire extinguishing services in Mexico City can be traced back to the years 1526 and 1527, when groups of indigenous people, led by Spanish soldiers, confronted fires in the viceregal capital. The official founding of this body occurred on January 25, 1856, under a decree by then-President Ignacio Comonfort.
However, the Mexico City Fire Department was officially conceptualized in 1887, with its first station located on Moneda Street, a site now occupied by the National Palace. As of July 1, 1899, the institution was incorporated into the Honorable City Council.
The early decades were marked by significant shortages and challenges. Available equipment consisted of a steam pump from Belgium, hand pumps from the insurgent era, buckets, shovels, and picks. The staff was also limited: one commander, one second commander, four officers, and 52 firefighters. These brave individuals often ran long distances to the scene of fires, frequently exhausted but with their vocation intact.
Expanding Reach and Comprehensive Services
Currently, the institution boasts 21 stations distributed across the city’s 16 boroughs. Firefighters attend to a wide array of emergencies, ranging from fires and gas leaks to vehicular accidents, fallen trees, and the rescue of lost animals or individuals. Furthermore, they actively participate in preventive actions, collaborating closely with schools, housing units, and historic sites throughout Mexico City.
The recognition from citizens for their firefighters is evident in every emergency overcome, in the anonymous sacrifices made, and in the unwavering commitment to service that has solidified the Heroic Fire Department of Mexico City as the oldest corporation in Mexico and a national benchmark, with 170 years of uninterrupted service.
