Viejas Firefighters Win Chili Cook-Off Over IBFD

About 50 people who attended a chili cook-off at the library Wednesday evening voted chili made by Viejas fire captain Jim Bingham better than chili made by a member of the Imperial Beach Fire Department.

Voters rated both chilis 1-10 in four categories: aroma, flavor and taste, consistency and and color. 

"10 being perfect, one being chili you wouldn't feed your dog," said librarian June Engel.

The Alpine Fire Department were going to compete but did not attend. 

The identity of both chilis was kept confidential until the end.

Bob Steinke, who was in town from Denver visiting his uncle, said he was a fan of both chilis. A retiree who said he is used to canned food, Steinke said he would have no issues being served either chili in a restaurant, but ultimately #2 won out for him. 

"The consistency was a little bit nicer. #1 had chunks of meat, which it depends on what you like but I thought they were both good chills."

Viejas fire captain accepted the first place award on Jim Bingham's behalf and said "he's known for just being able to cook everything."

"It's pretty meaty, it's got a little bit of a bite to it, and the spices and ingredients melded together well," said Viejas fire captain Bob Pfohl.

Scores from the chili cook-off will be combined with the score of the next challenge to take place at the Alpine library Nov. 22.

The secret ingredient for next week's challenge, peanut butter, was announed after the chili cook-off.

Engineer/paramedic Jason Bell of the Imperial Beach Fire Department said he "went for a smoky and hot" flavor for his chili, which had an assortment of spices, pork shoulder, bacon, beans, tomatoes, garlic and onions.

In the firehouse, Bell said, meals can range from pasta or Italian food to bbqs in the summer. Cooking duties rotate, but some may cook more than others.

""Each shift kind of has their own different tastes," he said. "One person may make a killer tritip and if he's working and they want tritip he'll do it. Or somebody might do a really good chicken dish or whatever so it usually rotates."

Due to the physical demands of the job, fitness and diet are a big deal for a lot of firefighters. 

"When we enter a building we're entering with 70 pounds of gear on our backs and that's before you get to the front door or we have to do any work," he said.

Bell said the event was also a good chance to show the community what their local firefighters do besides answer 911 calls.

Before the cook-off, attendees were given a presentation about the Imperial Beach Fire Department's involvement in the community

Firefighters also warned people that a dry Christmas tree can be fully engulfed in flames within 10 seconds, so remember not to plug in too many lights to the wall, keep candles away, water regularly and remove it from your house after the holiday season.

Correction: The original version of this article said the Barona Fire Department won the chili cook-off. The Viejas Fire Department won the cooking challenge.