San Diego City Fire Fighters Local 145 and The Burn Institute have a longstanding and meaningful partnership. Over the past 45 years, Local 145 has provided over $450,000 to support their vital fire and burn prevention programs and burn survivor support services.

The relationship goes far beyond just monetary donations. Local 145 has dedicated themselves to volunteering for the organization on a number of levels. From collecting donations in the streets for “Fill the Boot” to spending a week with young burn survivors at Camp Beyond the Scars, it is easy to see how closely our missions align.

The Institute’s fire prevention programs include Fire Safe Kids, an interactive school-based fire safety presentation for K-6th graders and the Senior Smoke Alarm Program, which provides free smoke alarm installations for the vulnerable senior population. Local 145 members can be seen brining an engine out to schools during Fire Safe Kids and volunteering while off-duty to install lifesaving smoke alarms.

Burn Survivor Support Programs include services that nurture burn survivors and their families from the moment of their injury through their life-long healing journey. Warm meals and financial relief are provided while survivors are being treated at the UC San Diego Burn Center and emotional healing such as monthly support groups and weekend retreats are provided post-hospital stay.

Camp Beyond the Scars is the organizations hallmark program, providing a week-long summer camp for young burn survivors completely free of charge. Camp allows kids to feel comfortable in the own skin and helps build self-confidence and resiliency when facing the challenges of living with a burn injury.

To learn more about the Burn Institute’s programs and services, visit burninstitute.org.