Burn Fund

Improving the quality of life for burn survivors

Each year in the United States, more than 500,000 people have their lives changed by burn injuries. The Burn Fund supports burn-survivor retreats for adults, regional and international burn camps for affected youth, and the creation of burn prevention materials. Our mission in these efforts is to create a better quality of life for those who have been affected by burn trauma.

The Burn Fund’s signature event is the International Burn Camp held annually in Washington, DC. Started in 1994, the camp is a life-changing opportunity for burn survivors ages 13-15 and the fire fighters/camp counselors who work to make a difference in the lives of these young people. The Burn Camp helps burn survivors understand that they are not alone in their experiences and that there is a larger support system for them.

To help serve and support the Burn Fund and the community it has built, in 2009 the IAFF appointed 16 district Burn Coordinators. These individuals organize, facilitate, and support IAFF members’ efforts and participation in burn prevention, fire safety, burn care, and survivor support activities.

The Burn Fund has also successfully facilitate the distribution of more than $2.5 million in funding for burn research through its Research Grant Program. Funded research has been published in numerous professional medical journals and has greatly contributed to advancing treatments and the quality of life for burn survivors.

Our Boards