CA Fire Foundation

International Firefighters’ Day is a time to honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who have given everything in service to others. Today, we honor their legacy and the strength of the fire service community. ❤️

Wildfires can ignite without warning, but a solid plan can make all the difference. This #WildfirePreparednessWeek, take time to create or update your evacuation plan and make sure everyone in your household is ready. To learn more, FirefightersOnYourSide.org

This Big Day of Giving on May 7, your generosity can bring hope and healing to those who sacrifice so much for our communities. Your support helps provide immediate financial assistance in times of crisis, offering comfort, dignity, and a reminder that they are not alone. To make a gift and learn more about how you can help, visit cafirefoundation.org

A heartfelt thank you to @titosvodka for welcoming us at the Desert Rodeo and for supporting the California Fire Foundation as a beneficiary 🤠 It’s an honor to be part of something that brings the community together in support of our mission and those we serve. ❤️

The California Fire Foundation is deeply honored to preserve the stories behind every hero whose name is etched into the Memorial Walls. Each name represents a life of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to protecting others. Behind every inscription is a family, a community, and a legacy of service that will never be forgotten. Help us continue to honor the legacies of those who made the ultimate sacrifice: cafirefoundation.org/donate

The #CAFirefightersMemorial honors the brave heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. Help preserve their legacy and support the Memorial's expansion by making a donation today at cafirefoundation.org/donate

This morning, the Hope Crisis Response Network welcomed the Campbell family back to their rebuilt home. The California Fire Foundation was proud to stand alongside the Hope Crisis Response Network at the ribbon cutting for the organization’s first volunteer-built home. We’re honored to support the work ahead, helping provide grant funding to bring more Altadena families back home. Learn more about our grants program: cafirefoundation.org/grants

Being a part of the Pipes and Drums of CPF is a solemn promise to honor the firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice, to stand beside their families, and to ensure their courage is never forgotten. Each note they play carries the memory of a life dedicated to service and a legacy of protecting others. If you are an active or retired firefighter and feel called to help carry this tradition of dignity and remembrance forward, fill out our interest form at cafirefoundation.org/pipesdrums

The Daniel A. Terry Scholarship provides support for the survivors of fallen California Firefighters to pursue higher education. To learn more, apply, or support this program, visit cafirefoundation.org

Today is the last day to submit applications to honor those who’ve sacrificed everything in the line of duty during the California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony. This year’s ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center.

It is with heavy hearts that @CALFIRE_SLO and @calfirel2881 announce the passing of one of their own. Firefighter Wendy Watkins, 39, passed away on March 19, 2026, after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. From her start at the College of the Siskiyous Fire Academy to her service with Templeton Fire and CAL FIRE, Wendy remained dedicated to the fire service in every role she held. A mentor at Camp Cinder and Union Membership Liaison for Local 2881, she touched countless lives with her “small but mighty” spirit and unwavering commitment to others. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A celebration of life will be held in her honor on April 18 at 1:00 PM at Santa Margarita Ranch. More information can be found on our website at cafirefoundation.org/news/announcem…

The Daniel A. Terry Scholarship provides support for the survivors of fallen California Firefighters to pursue higher education. To learn more, apply, or support this program, visit cafirefoundation.org

Healing after wildfire happens one small act at a time. Groups like Fire Poppy Project and DENA Soil Project (DSP) are remediating contaminated homes and damaged landscapes affected by the Eaton Fire, reviving ecosystems and helping the community feel grounded again. We are proud to partner with organizations like Fire Poppy and DSP, turning real compassion into action. Learn more about our grants at cafirefoundation.org/grants

Each name etched on the California Firefighters Memorial carries the story of a hero who dedicated their life to protecting others. The Memorial is a solemn place where families, loved ones, and communities come together to honor their courage and remember their sacrifice. Help us continue honoring our fallen at cafirefoundation.org/donate

The Berkeley Fire Department and @berkeleyprofire, Local 1227, sadly share news of the passing of one of their own. Apparatus Operator Marc "Mestro" Mestrovich, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026, after fighting a fearless battle with occupational cancer for over four years. Marc dedicated more than 26 years to the City of Berkeley and the community he so faithfully served. His beautiful spirit, bright smile, playful sense of humor, gentle nature, and unconditional love will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. A service will be held to remember his sacrifice on April 14 at 11:00 AM at Cornerstone Fellowship Church. More information can be found on our website at cafirefoundation.org/news/announcem…

**TAX DAY IS APPROACHING** By checking off the "California Firefighters Memorial Fund" on State Tax Form 540, you can honor California's fallen firefighters. Funds received through the tax checkoff are used to maintain the California Firefighters Memorial. Learn more at cafirefoundation.org/checkoff

The California Fire Foundation is continuing to raise funds for the preservation and expansion of the #CaliforniaFirefightersMemorial. Thanks to a generous contribution from @PGE4Me last year, this important expansion effort has a strong foundation for years to come. The Memorial is still seeking additional supporters to help bring this vision to life. Help preserve the legacy of California’s fallen firefighters and support the Memorial’s expansion by making a donation today at cafirefoundation.org/donate

This week marked a powerful milestone in Altadena’s long-term recovery from the Eaton Fire. After months of hard work, the Wood family was finally welcomed home as the first Altadena family to return to a rebuilt home — a deeply meaningful moment made possible through the collaboration of San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity @SGVHabitat and the Foothill Catalog. Their long-awaited return is a testament to what compassionate partnerships can accomplish in the wake of disaster. We’re proud to work alongside organizations like San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity @SGVHabitat and the Foothill Catalog, whose dedication is helping restore not just homes, but hope for entire communities. Make an impact through partnership and learn more about our grants program: cafirefoundation.org/grants

When our communities come together to learn, we become stronger, safer, and more prepared. We are proud to partner with organizations like the Oxnard Fire Foundation, providing Basic CERT classes in Spanish. Your time and dedication help protect families, neighborhoods, and the communities our firefighters serve. To learn more about our grants program, visit cafirefoundation.org/grants

Today is the **LAST DAY** to apply for the 2026 Spring Cycle Southern, Central & Coastal California Fire Prevention & Preparedness Support grant opportunity for California-based fire departments, firefighter associations, and nonprofit organizations located in Southern California Edison’s service area. Submit your application today: cafirefoundation.org/grants