While hundreds can hear the alarm that can only be described as what sounds like a train horn, only a few respond.
When the signal sounds, even if it’s at 2 or 3 a.m., volunteers from the Naco Fire District head to where they’re needed to meet each other, get their gear and learn their task. Jesse Morales, the station’s fire chief since 2008, said their calls range from being first responders to the Naco Port of Entry, translators, support for other fire crews and helping their community in any way they can.
“For a small district, we do a lot,” Morales said. “We’re on duty 24/7, 365 days (a year).” Because the district is completely volunteer, Morales said the way the response team works is whomever is available goes to the call, whether it’s in Naco, Bisbee, Douglas, Sierra Vista or Mexico.