Facing a growing financial strain as demand for emergency services rises, Cabo San Lucas firefighters are turning to the community for support through the 4th “Bulnes” Sport Fishing Tournament, scheduled for April 10 – 11th.
The two-day event, which will begin and end at the Cabo San Lucas Marina, offers a guaranteed prize pool of 150,000 pesos (about $8,300 USD) and aims to bring together residents and visitors to support the fire department.
Fire Department Commander Carbajal said the cost of responding to emergencies has become increasingly burdensome. Each service call now averages about 8,000 pesos ($448 USD), covering fuel, supplies and equipment wear.
Demand continues to climb, with emergency responses up roughly 11 percent, driven largely by an increase in ambulance calls. At the same time, city growth is stretching resources thinner.
“Units are traveling longer distances, equipment is wearing out faster, and maintenance costs continue to rise,” Carbajal said. “Firefighters will continue responding to emergencies, but sustaining the current level of service is becoming more difficult without additional support.”
The department relies on a mix of fundraising events, donations, limited municipal aid and revenue from its internal shop to operate. Carbajal emphasized the need to strengthen financial support for personnel while working to improve salaries and secure added resources.
The tournament will feature teams of up to four anglers competing for the largest jack mackerel. Registration costs 6,000 pesos ($330 USD) per team. Proceeds will go directly toward improving the department’s operational ability.
Previous tournaments have funded the purchase of rescue equipment and uniforms, as well as supported the “AINA” fireboat project, expected to soon enter service to respond to marine emergencies in the Cabo San Lucas Marina.
Prize money will be awarded as follows: 75,000 pesos ($4,800 USD) for first place, 40,000 pesos ($2,200 USD) for second and 35,000 pesos ($1,950 USD) for third. Other jackpots for jack mackerel and Spanish mackerel range from 1,000 to 10,000 pesos.
Registration will take place Friday, April 10. The tournament begins Saturday morning, April 11, in Cabo San Lucas Bay, with the weigh-in and awards ceremony scheduled for the afternoon at IGY Marina.
The event is coordinated by Clicerio Mercado and Gonzalo Alamea, endorsed by Fonmar and supported by the 15th Los Cabos City Council.
For more information or to register, contact Cabo San Lucas Fire Department headquarters at (624) 143-3577 or visit the station in person.
