CWFM
The California Wildland Firefighter Memorial committee is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization founded to support the creation of a physical tribute to the firefighters that have paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting wildland fires in the State of California.
CONCEPTION
The idea for this monument came about in 1995 when a group of retirees, fire survivors, CAL FIRE, and the USDA Forest Service sought to repair and replace missing markers from the deadly Decker Fire of 1959, which killed 6 firefighters within the Santa Ana Mountains above Lake Elsinore.
LOCATION
The Memorial is located along Hwy 74 (also known as the California Wildland Firefighter Memorial Highway) between Elsinore and San Juan Capistrano. A Forest Service picnic area is adjacent to the Memorial, where Highway 74 and the South Main Divide Road intersect.
All aspects of the design for the Memorial were coordinated in partnership between the USDA Forest Service, CAL FIRE, Orange County Fire Authority and CWFM committee members.
Presently the Memorial site consists of a stone monument with engraved black marble panels at the center of a circular walkway area with red bricks in the shape of a Maltese cross. Bricks in the patterned walkway contain engraved dedication messages from supporters. Plaques on the rock wall surrounding the monument area give the incident name, county, year and number of fatalities for each wildland fire which claimed the life of a firefighter in California.
Picnic benches and tables are placed around the perimeter with native plants integrated into the Memorial area. The serene oak tree filled area promotes the tranquility that inspired the Memorial.
All funding for the Memorial was derived solely from donations, contributions, and service partnerships. Now completed, the Memorial will be maintained through donations and endowments. We are a tax-deductible non-profit organization (EIN #33-0761265)
Since 1908, we have record of almost 300 wildland firefighter fatalities in California, who are memorialized here on these panels.
Together lets honor and acknowledge California’s wildland firefighters that have lost their lives in the line of duty protecting our lives and property.
All donations are welcome for the Memorial. Donors of $100 or more may also designate an inscription for one of the paver bricks. We appreciate your contributions and thank you for your support.
Purpose
The California Wildland Firefighter Memorial was built entirely with donor contributions. Its sole purpose is to honor anyone who perished fighting wildland fires in California, regardless of agency or position. Now that the physical memorial has been completed, there is a need for maintenance funding and we appreciate your assistance.
Donation
We seek to create an endowment for continual care of the Memorial, as well as repairs, and updating the memorial listings.
Space is still available for additional engraving on bricks in the memorial walkway.
EIN #33-0761265
Remember all donations are tax deductible.
You may also make contributions by simply mailing a check to the P.O. Box listed above. There is no minimum amount required.