Rancho Santa Fe firefighters to participate in annual boot drive

Rancho Santa Fe firefighters will be taking to the streets and intersections again this year to help raise money for burn survivors. The annual Burn Institute Boot Drive, taking place on Thursday, March 13, raises money to help fund burn prevention programs and survivor support services, including Camp Beyond the Scars for children who have survived burns. Firefighters will be standing at major intersections throughout the district during the morning and afternoon commute, collecting monetary donations of any amount in empty fire boots.

“We look forward to this event every year,” said firefighter Nathan Fritchle, who is coordinating RSFFPD’s efforts this year. “It’s a great chance for us to interact with members of the community and raise funds for a very important cause. It also creates a friendly competition among participating fire agencies to see who can raise the most money.”

Fire Chief Tony Michel added, “Due to the nature of this once-a-year endeavor, there may be some minor traffic delays at a few intersections in our district. We want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we strive to raise money for this great cause.”

The Burn Institute is a nonprofit agency dedicated to burn prevention and support for burn injury survivors and their families. Last year’s Boot Drive raised more than $225,000. For more information on the Boot Drive and the Burn Institute, visit its website, burninstitute.org.

The mission of the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District is “to protect life, property, and environment through prevention, preparedness, education and emergency response.” Formed in 1946, the fire district spans approximately 38 square miles and protects more than 29,000 residents. It operates out of four full-time fire stations and serves the communities within and surrounding Rancho Santa Fe, Fairbanks Ranch and 4S Ranch.