Firefighting Worldwide - Chile

Chile

In Chile, firefighters are called "Bomberos". They are volunteers. They also must finance the acquisition, maintenance and operation of their buildings and equipment (including firetrucks) rather than rely upon government allocations. All the officers are democratically elected by the volunteers. The government does not finance specialization courses for firefighters. Instead, they have to pay for it on their own. 'Bomberos' is the name given for the firefighters in most Spanish speaking countries ('bomba' is the name of the water pumps).

Founded in 1851, Valparaíso's Fire Department is the oldest of the country. Following it are the Santiago Fire Department established in 1863 and Viña del Mar Fire Department in 1884. Now all cities have a Fire Department each of which has its own officers and companies.

Many of the companies were founded by resident members of European colonies such as the Germans, British, Spanish, French and Italians.

• Bomberos de Chile
• Santiago Bomberos
• First Santiago Bomberos Company
• Tenth Santiago Bomberos Company, "Spain Engine" (Bomba España)
• Fourteenth Santiago Bomberos Company
• Fifteenth Santiago Bomberos Company
• Eighteenth Santiago Bomberos Company
• Nineteenth Santiago Bomberos Company, in Lo Barnechea.
• Twentieth Santiago Bomberos Company