The California Fire Foundation — a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting firefighters, their families, and the communities they serve — has designated October as Firefighter Appreciation Month in collaboration with the California State Legislature. 

Firefighters put their lives on the line daily to protect Californians, and this October the California Fire Foundation is dedicated to honoring the bravery and devotion of all California’s firefighters, those who protect our communities, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

The California Fire Foundation provides critical emotional and financial support to the families of fallen firefighters and offers immediate relief to victims of fire and natural disasters. 

By highlighting, honoring, supporting, and thanking firefighters this October, these vital programs will remain funded and sustained in time of need.

As California continues to face year-round wildfires, the California Fire Foundation continues to provide meaningful support to those on the front lines and the communities they protect. 

Following the Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles in January, the California Fire Foundation delivered immediate disaster relief aid and resources to displaced residents — including firefighters who lost their homes while protecting others. 

These efforts are part of the more than $3,500,000 in disaster relief assistance distributed statewide this year alone. Now, more than ever, it is essential to honor firefighters and ensure resources remain available for ongoing disaster relief and recovery.

“When the Eaton Fire destroyed my home while out on the line protecting others’, I felt like my whole world had collapsed. The California Fire Foundation was there for me in that moment, not just as a firefighter, but as someone who needed help. Their support gave me the means to take care of my family and begin the long, difficult road to rebuilding. Knowing that the Foundation stands behind us reminds me that we’re never alone, even when we’re the ones who usually run toward the flames,” said Chien Yu, fire engineer, Pasadena Fire Department and disaster relief recipient.

This Firefighter Appreciation Month, the California Fire Foundation is highlighting its initiatives including the SAVE program, which provides $250 cash cards to survivors for immediate necessities following a disaster, and the Firefighters on Your Side public safety campaign. 

A cornerstone of the month is the annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony in Sacramento, honoring those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. 

The California Fallen Firefighters Memorial site — currently in phase two of a four-phase expansion to accommodate the growing number of our fallen heroes each year — still requires additional fundraising to meet its expansion goals for completion to honor our fallen for generations to come.

The annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, in Sacramento. This year, 30 fallen firefighters will have their names inscribed on the Memorial Walls. 

The ceremony will include a recessional of uniformed firefighters to the Memorial Site, tributes to the fallen, and the presentation of U.S. flags to their families.

The public is invited to attend the outdoor recessional, and the ceremony will also be streamed live on the Foundation's Facebook and YouTube pages. Details can be found at CAFireFoundation.org.