Wildland fire Charities
Providing aid to those in need.
Wildland fire can be very dangerous. On average 10 firefighters die each year while working.
There are numerous non-profits that help families of firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty.
If you are able, these two are excellent charities to donate money that will go to good use and help you, your family, or a crew member after tragedy strikes.
Anyone can hold a fundraiser. On February 10, 2019, I hosted a fundraiser for the Wildland Firefighter Foundation at my favorite local brewery, Hideaway, in Winter Park, Colorado, with a raffle, silent auction, and beer specials and raised $3585 in one day. Read more about it in the blog. The point is, even a small event can have a big impact and get the community involved in wildland fire efforts.
All info comes directly from each foundation. Click the LEARN MORE buttons to go directly to their websites.
A hand crew hikes down a dozer line to check the fire’s progress in Idaho
Wildland Firefighter Foundation
The Wildland Firefighter Foundation is the original organization to provide help to the families of those wildland firefighters who have lost their lives or are injured in the line of duty.
The Foundation came together as a group of volunteers in 1994, shortly after the Storm King tragedy. With dedication and lots of volunteer work, plans were developed for a national monument to honor firefighters, a dream that was realized in May 2000. The Wildland Firefighter Foundation was officially formed in the spring of 1999. Our board members realized that there was a great need to have emergency support services for the families of fallen firefighters.
Active volunteers and supporters of wildland firefighters established the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, a 501(c)3 to maintain the Wildland Firefighters National Monument at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, Idaho.
Since 1999, the Foundation has also provided emergency support services to the families of firefighters, seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. Families left behind, many with young children, often find themselves with few resources, and the Foundation steps in to help.
Eric Marsh Foundation
Eric Shane Marsh was the Superintendent of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. He died along with 18 of his crew members on June 30, 2013, while fighting the Yarnell Hill fire. Eric was passionate about wildland firefighting. He served 23 years in the fire service, protecting land, property and most importantly, human lives. He loved being a hotshot and loved his crew like family. He will be forever missed.
If you have been affected by a wildland line-of-duty fatality therapists can help you. The Eric Marsh Foundation for Wildland Firefighters will help cover the costs for therapy if you are a firefighter or next-of-kin. Everything is completely confidential.