Turning Tragedy to Healing: California’s Firefighters Burn Institute Expands Its Mission Across the State

September 1, 2026

The Firefighters Burn Institute (FFBI), founded in Sacramento in 1973 following a devastating 1972 plane crash into an ice cream parlor that killed 23 people, has evolved from addressing a local gap in burn care into a statewide organization supporting burn survivors and prevention efforts. The organization continues funding the UC Davis Medical Center Regional Burn Center, recently contributing $200,000 for advanced laser technology to improve scarred skin treatment. FFBI operates multiple programs including summer camps for young burn survivors, family retreats, and adult support groups that help survivors and their families navigate physical and emotional recovery challenges.

Who is affected

Burn survivors of all ages (children ages 6 and under, youth ages 7-17, young adults, and adults)
Families of burn survivors, including parents and siblings
The 23 people killed in the 1972 ice cream parlor crash, including Sacramento firefighter Gene LaVine and eight family members
Patients at the UC Davis Medical Center Regional Burn Center
Sacramento Area Fire Fighters, Local 522
Fire departments throughout California
First responders and the firefighter community
California residents at risk from unsafe tabletop fire features

What action is being taken

FFBI is funding the UC Davis Medical Center Regional Burn Center and advancing burn treatment research
The Institute is operating Firefighters Kids Camp annually in Livermore for approximately 50 young burn survivors ages 7-17
FFBI is running Little Heroes Family Burn Camp for burn survivors ages 6 and under with their families
The organization is hosting adult and young-adult retreats and support programs
FFBI is supporting Senate Bill 870 to regulate tabletop liquid-fuel fire features
The Sac-Town Rodeo is scheduled for September 12-13 at Cal Expo to raise funds for FFBI
Governor Newsom and legislative leaders are negotiating a wildfire liability and compensation package

Why it matters

The FFBI's work addresses critical gaps in burn care, recovery, and prevention that can mean the difference between isolation and community, limited mobility and restored function, and preventable injuries versus tragedy. Burn injuries affect not just individual survivors but entire families, creating long-term physical, emotional, and social challenges that require specialized support systems. The organization's evolution from responding to a single local tragedy to leading statewide prevention and treatment efforts demonstrates how targeted advocacy and support can create lasting systemic change in healthcare and public safety. By combining direct patient support, medical technology funding, survivor community-building, and legislative advocacy, FFBI addresses the full spectrum of burn-related challenges while working to prevent future injuries through policy changes.

What's next

The Sac-Town Rodeo fundraising event is scheduled for September 12 and 13, 2025, at Cal Expo
Senate Bill 870 would prohibit the sale of non-compliant tabletop liquid-fuel fire features beginning in 2027
Governor Newsom and legislative leaders are continuing negotiations on a wildfire liability and compensation package

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint