Unsung heroes: The firefighters of San Miguel
By Jesús Ibarra

The ISSSTE store in Dolores Hidalgo was completely engulfed by fire. My friend and I had entered the warehouse to try to control the flames. Suddenly, the roof began to cave in. The exit was blocked. With the few tools we had we tried to open the metal security door but it was impossible—it was locked from the outside. Our clothing caught fire. At last, the other firemen were able to open the door from the outside and we were rescued. The flames consuming our clothing were extinguished, and we were assisted by paramedics. Fortunately, we did not suffer severe burns, but we were overcome by smoke.

— Juan Antonio Pérez Solís, firefighter

In the 1970s, following a large number of fires in which several lives and homes were lost, the lack of emergency services in the city was addressed by a group of volunteers who had formed the National Commission for Emergencies.

This group, which offered ambulance and rescue services, asked Pedro Gerez, mayor of San Miguel at that time, to support their formation of a local fire department. The mayor replied that if the people wanted firefighters they would have to pay for them. 
 
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