The Burn Institute’s annual Firefighter Demolition Derby and Fire & Safety Expo is back for its 33rd year!

This year’s family-friendly event is Sunday, June 15 , 2025 at the San Diego County Fair. This beloved event includes firefighting and safety demonstrations, a fire-and-burn-prevention pavilion, and of course, the Firefighter Demolition Derby. Simply purchase a pass to the County Fair. Once inside, admission to the Derby is free!

The Demo Derby is a blast – literally! Fire departments from across San Diego County modify clunkers to smash head to head with fellow departments. Three initial heats, two last-chance qualifying heats, and then a final round where the last car standing is the champ! In addition to building their cars, each team raises funds for the Burn Institute through car sponsorship.

Join us this Father’s Day to cheer the heroes in the community!

Interested in sponsoring and/or entering a car? Contact Tiffany at [email protected] or call 858-541-2277.

Schedule of Free Events

11:00 am – 12:30 pm Free CPR training, safety education, activities for the kids, derby car viewing— Visit teams in the pits

1:00 pm Burn Run Fire Truck Parade & Opening Ceremonies

2:00 pm Firefighter Demolition Derby— Preliminary Heats

4:45 p.m. Last Chance Qualifier Demo Derby Heats

5:00 p.m. Introducing the Derby Finalists

5:30 p.m. Final Heat of the Demolition Derby

Thank you to the 2024 Derby Sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor 

Major Sponsors 

Participating Sponsor

Additional Sponsors