The California Wildland Firefighter Memorial (CWFM)

WHO WE ARE

CWFM

This is a tribute to firefighters that have paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting wildland fires in the State of California.

CONCEPTION

This came about in 1995 when a group of retirees, fire survivors, CAL FIRE, and USDA Forest Service sought to repair and replace missing markers from the Decker Fire of 1959. This fire killed 6 firefighters within the Santa Ana Mountains above Lake Elsinore.

LOCATION

This Memorial is located along its dedicated highway, the Ortega 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.

Remembering California's Fallen Wildland Firefighters

Hover over images for more information
Now completed, the Memorial will be funded perpetually ,ensuring continued maintenance and updating in a partnership with the Historical Society and Museum for the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection.
Together lets honor and acknowledge California’s wildland firefighters that have lost their lives in the line of duty protecting our lives and property. There have been over 200 wildland firefighter fatalities in California.
All funding for the Memorial is derived solely from donations, contributions, and service partnerships. Each phase of the project was done as support came in. Estimated completion costs are $150,000.
get more
1300
Successful Donation
700
Regular Volunteers
800
Wonderful Project
400
Yearly Mission

Get Involved To Help CWFM

BECOME A DONATOR

The California Wildland Firefighter Memorial has been in existence for 7 years built entirely with contributions. Its sole purpose is to honor anyone who perished fighting wild land fires in California, regardless of agency or position. 

Now that it is established, there is a great need for maintenance funding and we are asking for your assistance!

DONATE

Donate!

We are actively seeking donations to create an endowment to perpetuate the Memorial. This includes upkeep, repairs, updating the names on the wall and engraving the Maltese Cross bricks in memoriam.

donate now

Please check our web page or telephone us for more information!

Please help us to see this important Memorial continue. You may make contributions through Pay-Pal or by simply mailing a check to the P.O. Box listed above. There is no minimum amount required. Remember all donations are tax deductible.