SACRAMENTO—Year after year, wildfires have swept across communities, leveling entire towns, upending the lives of millions, and forever changing the future of the Golden State. These devastating disasters have also brought out the best in Californians as they answer the call to help neighbors in their greatest time in need.

Now, after nearly a decade in the making, a permanent state memorial will be installed at Capitol Park in Sacramento. The timeless memorial will ensure all who have tragically lost their lives to California’s wildfires will always be remembered. It will also be dedicated to all who have survived these devastating events and provide generations of Californians a meaningful place to gather and reflect, find peace, and ensure the impact of these fires—which have upended the lives of millions—will forever be remembered by the tens of thousands who visit our beloved Capitol Park every year.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Friday for the memorial and the quiet ceremony was hosted by Senator Mike McGuire. He was joined by Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, CAL FIRE Chief Joe Tyler, Tubbs Fire survivor Paul Lowenthal, Camp Fire survivor Kate Scowsmith, and state and local leaders. It’s anticipated the memorial will be completed by early 2028.

“The ravages of wildfire have changed so many lives across the Golden State, including our family. I saw firsthand what these megafires take from people—the lives lost, the homes destroyed, and the long, hard road of rebuilding that follows. But, even in our darkest times, we’ve seen neighbors show up for neighbors and communities rally around those who have lost so much,” said Senator McGuire. “This memorial is about remembering the people we lost, standing with the survivors who are still rebuilding, and making damn sure their stories are never forgotten.”

This memorial was first envisioned by Senator McGuire following the devasting 2017 and 2018 wildfire seasons. Through his work with the California Department of General Services (DGS), funding and a permanent site in Capitol Park were secured for a memorial that will harmonize with the existing California Firefighter Memorial.

California artist Adan Romo joined the ceremony to share a proposed design for the memorial. The project will incorporate plants and biochar from wildfire impacted areas, further connecting the memorial to the communities it represents.

“The loss and devastation caused by wildfires are hard to put into words. This memorial reminds us of what our communities have been through and shows what we can do when we come together to rebuild and heal,” said Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters). “I’m proud to stand with Senator McGuire, Chief Tyler, and survivors as we unveil this memorial in honor of those we lost and the strength of our communities.”

Video can be found here.