California Fire Foundation Update: From the Front Lines to Lasting Change
Fire Lines Newsletter - June 2025
At the California Fire Foundation, we often say that behind every individual is a story, and behind every act of generosity is a ripple effect that has the possibility to change lives.
Over the past few months, your support has made an extraordinary difference. From empowering young changemakers in Ventura County and Sacramento, to expanding our Memorial in Sacramento with the help of key partners like PG&E, to providing immediate relief through our SAVE program during times of crisis, your commitment is fueling hope across California.
This newsletter is filled with powerful stories and meaningful moments made possible by you, our generous donors and partners. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read, reflect, and see the lasting impact of your support. Whether it's a young scholarship recipient honoring their firefighter parent’s legacy, or communities coming together at events like Desert Rodeo and the California Mille, your generosity continues to honor the fallen, support the living, and protect those who protect us all.
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we’re building a stronger, safer California, one story at a time.
With gratitude,
Angie Carmignani
Executive Director, California Fire Foundation
Honoring Our Fallen: PG&E Donates $5 Million to Memorial Expansion
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The California Fire Foundation is proud to announce a $5 million donation from Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to support the expansion and upkeep of the California Firefighters Memorial in Sacramento.
Last year, 2024, the Memorial reached its capacity with the addition of 36 new names with no room to spare for future fallen heroes to be added to the polished limestone wall. Now, thanks to this generous contribution funded entirely by PG&E shareholders, the Foundation can continue to honor and preserve the legacy of California’s fallen firefighters for generations to come.
On May 1, PG&E Corporation CEO Patti Poppe and Brian Rice, Chair of the California Fire Foundation, met in West Sacramento at the Sacramento Regional Fire Museum for a brief press conference and check presentation.
PG&E has a nearly 30-year history of supporting us. Most recently, the PG&E Corporation Foundation has partnered with us on the Wildfire Safety and Preparedness Program. The program is focused on fire preparedness and response as well as community awareness.
PG&E’s generous contribution to the Memorial will cover almost half the total $12 million expansion cost.
California Fire Foundation Beneficiaries at the First-Ever Desert Rodeo in Coachella Valley
On April 25, the California Fire Foundation was invited as beneficiaries and to experience a one-of-a-kind celebration at the first-ever Desert Rodeo, at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, CA.
As a heartfelt thank you for their dedication and service, members of the Foundation’s sister organization, California Professional Firefighters, were offered to attend the event for free and enjoy a day of rodeo action, barrel racing, bull riding, and live music. The event, presented in partnership with the California Fire Foundation, brought fans and first responders together for a weekend filled with energy, appreciation, and purpose.
As a proud beneficiary of the event, the Foundation was grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness and critical funds in support of California’s fire service families and disaster-affected communities. Thank you to the Desert Rodeo organizers for honoring our CPF members and making a real impact in the lives of those who serve.
California Mille Drives Support to the Fire Service and Communities in Crisis
The California Fire Foundation was honored to be a beneficiary of this year’s auction California Mille, a celebrated vintage car tour known not only for its appreciation of classic automobiles, but for its ongoing commitment to giving back.
As the route passed through communities impacted by California wildfires, the Mille’s organizers and supporters helped raise awareness and funds for the Foundation’s mission in providing financial and emotional support to the families of fallen firefighters, firefighters themselves, and the communities they protect.
We’re grateful for the California Mille’s dedication to communities in need and proud to stand alongside an event that brings people together for a greater purpose.
Ventura County Girl Scouts Lead with Service, Impact, and Heart
The California Fire Foundation was recognized by Girl Scout Troop 65510 of Ventura County for their extraordinary leadership in fire prevention education and community engagement. As part of their journey toward earning the prestigious “Silver Award”, the troop raised over $19,000 to support our mission, one of the largest grassroots efforts we've seen from a youth group.
Their work has not only raised awareness about wildfire safety but also directly contributed to strengthening fire safety programs and supporting the families and communities we serve.
We are deeply grateful for their commitment, compassion, and dedication to making a lasting difference. Troop 65510, thank you for being true leaders in your community.
Youth 4 Impact Sacramento Inspires Change Through Action
The California Fire Foundation proudly recognizes Youth 4 Impact Sacramento, a student-led nonprofit organization, for their outstanding commitment to community service and fire prevention education. We were extremely grateful to be in attendance as these young leaders presented, performed, and led with passion and purpose to help support support our mission.
Through a combination of education, volunteering, and advocacy, Youth 4 Impact not only raised $10, 500 for the California Fire Foundation, but also helped spread awareness about fire safety across Sacramento-area communities.
We are grateful for their dedication and proud to partner with the next generation of leaders working to protect and uplift California’s communities.
When students come together, they can create meaningful change, we are proud of their hard work!
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes: Save the Date
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the California Fire Foundation will host the Annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento.
This year, we will solemnly honor the lives and legacy of 30 courageous firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. The ceremony stands as a powerful reminder that their bravery, dedication, and love for others will never be forgotten.
Each name etched into the Memorial tells a story of selflessness and service, and on this day, we gather to remember them, support their loved ones, and reaffirm our promise to carry their legacy forward.
We invite you to join us in tribute. More details will be shared in the months to come.
Supporting Recovery, Rebuilding Resilience
The California Fire Foundation is proud to announce the first round of recipients of our 2025 Wildfire Disaster Relief & Recovery Grant, dedicated to strengthening long-term recovery and resilience in wildfire-affected communities. More recipients will be announced at a later time.
This year’s grantees range from local firefighter associations and nonprofits to community-based organizations and tribal partners in Los Angeles and Ventura counties and are leading critical efforts in relief, recovery, prevention, and preparedness. From replacing damaged PPE and delivering public education campaigns to advancing fuels reduction projects and supporting impacted families, these organizations are helping Californians rebuild stronger and safer.
We’re honored to support their mission-driven work and thank them for standing on the front lines of wildfire recovery.
If you have a project to help our friends in Southern California recover and rebuild and want to apply, or are interested in learning more about the California Fire Foundation’s 2025 Wildfire Disaster Relief & Recovery Grant program, click here.
Thank You for Making Big Day of Giving a Powerful Success
This year, on Big Day of Giving, we were reminded of the incredible generosity and compassion of our supporters. Thanks to you, the California Fire Foundation can continue to stand strong with firefighters, their families, and disaster survivors when they need it most.
Your donations will continue to help us fund:
- Supporting families after loss
- Empowering children of fallen heroes through scholarships
- Providing immediate relief to communities facing disaster
- And so much more
Your gifts were more than a donation, they are a lifeline. From all of us at the California Fire Foundation, thank you for standing with California’s fire family and helping us turn moments of crisis into hope. Together, we are building a safer, more resilient California for all.
Daniel A. Terry Scholarship: Turning Tragedy into Legacy
When a firefighter falls in the line of duty, the loss dives deeper far than the fireground. But through your support, the California Fire Foundation helps turn that heartbreak into hope.
Take Dylan Costamagna’s story. As a young boy, Dylan lost his father, a devoted firefighter who gave his life in service. With the help of a Foundation scholarship, Dylan was able to pursue his education and, ultimately, follow in his father’s footsteps. Today, he wears the badge not only with pride, but in honor of the legacy left behind.
When you give to the California Fire Foundation, you're helping families like Dylan’s carry forward the courage and sacrifice of California’s fallen heroes.
FFOYS PSA - Wildfire Preparedness Month: Know the Risks, Take Action
As we approach the summer months, we are reminded of the lurking dangers of wildfire season and now is a critical time to take action before the next emergency strikes. But dont worry, the California Fire Foundation has you covered as we shared 7 essential tips on social media to help harden your home against wildfire threats. Knowing how to prepare is only part of the story, understanding why these steps matter can make all the difference when seconds count.
In our latest blog post on Firefighters On Your Side, we explore the real dangers of embers, wind-driven flames, and the growing threat wildfires pose to even densely populated neighborhoods. You’ll learn how creating a defensible space, starting with “Zone 0”, can help protect your home and your loved ones.
Read the full blog to go beyond the checklist and get the insight you need to act with confidence.
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Thank you for standing with us in support of California’s fire community.
Warm regards,
The California Fire Foundation
Our Mission
The California Fire Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they protect. Formed in 1987 by California Professional Firefighters, the California Fire Foundation’s mandate includes an array of survivor assistance projects and community initiatives.