Smoke Alarm Installation Volunteer
Help keep seniors safe in their homes! We need volunteers to assist with installing smoke alarms in the homes of seniors for our Fire-Safe Seniors program. Volunteers are assigned routes of 4–5 homes. After pairing up with another volunteer, you’ll install alarms and review fire safety information with residents.
Training and drills are provided by the Burn Institute. We’re looking for committed volunteers who can help on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis. Background check and screening required.
Event Volunteers
We depend on volunteers for several Burn Institute events each year! Help us hand out water at the 5K, sell t-shirts at the Demolition Derby, or assist with our silent auction at the Party in the Paddock. Event volunteering is the perfect way to give back to the community for a day.
San Diego Office Volunteer
We’re always looking for help around the office! Volunteers are needed for database entry, stuffing envelopes, filing, and any other projects that may come up. If you have some extra time and would like to help in an administrative way, becoming an office volunteer is for you!
Live closer to our Imperial Valley office? You can volunteer there too! Learn More
Community Outreach Volunteer
When you become a Community Outreach volunteer, you help us spread important fire safety education. Staff a table at a fire department open house or attend a safety fair as a Burn Institute representative. Volunteers hand out fire and burn prevention information and interact with community members. Educating our community is an important – and impactful – way to give your time!
Burn Survivor Support Program Volunteer
Our ongoing burn survivor support programs could use your help! Help us prep for event, whether you pack backpacks for Camp Beyond the Scars campers or paint picture frames for our Family Retreat.
Camp Beyond the Scars Counselor
Make an impact in the lives of young burn survivors as a camp counselor. We’re looking for outgoing, energetic, fun-loving volunteers who have past experience with children to join us for this week long overnight camp. As a mentor and leader, you help this unique population learn valuable life skills in a safe and nurturing environment.
Please note there are requirements, trainings, and background checks needed for this position.
Fire Safe Kids Programs Volunteer
Assist our Fire-Safe Kids Coordinator with administrative duties including phone calls, emails, and scheduling presentations.
Additionally, there are opportunities to conduct Fire-Safe Kids presentations at local elementary schools and deliver scald prevention training to community partners and/or their participants.
Imperial Valley Office Volunteer
With a small team at the Imperial Valley Office, we rely heavily on the help of volunteers. Stop by and assist around the office, help install smoke alarms in the homes of seniors, or help booth a table at a fire department open house.
Live closer to our San Diego office? You can volunteer there too! Learn More

One of the founding members of our Board of Directors, she joined us at the very beginning, in 1972. Dolores continues her service today as Board Secretary. In her 1st year with us, she made presentations to more than 65 women’s groups, fundraising to launch a local Burn Unit in San Diego – the first mission of the Burn Institute. Decades later, she still invigorates others with her passion for our mission.

As a burn survivor himself, his desire – and drive – to give back is immeasurable. Randy has staffed fire department open houses, assisted with community outreach, volunteered at Camp Beyond the Scars, been integral to our burn survivor support services, and more. Above all, Randy is a friendly face – and supportive friend – to any and all burn survivors who need him.

Among our most reliable volunteers over the past 5 years, she is eager to assist with anything and everything needed in the office. At least 1x/week, Debbie helps by entering data, handling our mailings, and providing research for our fundraisers. Whenever a special event comes around, Debbie is always one of the first people who offers to assist. Over the years, she has volunteered at nearly every special event or fundraiser we have.