Forestry Crab Feed

In 1961 the employees of The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, CAL FIRE, Sonoma Ranger Unit recognized a need to begin a benevolent fund. The purpose of this fund was to help the department employees monetarily during times of financial need due to disasters, death, illness, etc. and at the same time instill a sense of esprit de corps among the employees and the community.



In response to the challenge, the annual “Forestry Crab Feed” was conceived. In addition to an “all you can eat” crab feast, we offer dancing, a raffle and silent auction which generate most of our profits.



Over the years, the “Crab Feed” has become such a success; we have also been able to respond to needs beyond the CAL FIRE family. Donations exceeding $300,000 have gone to various charities throughout our Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit, some of which included YMCA Battered Women’s Shelter, Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, and various local youth sports programs, academic scholarships for CAL FIRE employees and family, KZST’s Secret Santa, Salvation Army, Home Hospice, Project Graduation, Associated Air tanker Pilots Benevolent Fund and many, many more.



The members of this organization are employees of CAL FIRE who work in the Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit. They are the firefighters and staff who make up CAL FIRE located throughout Sonoma, Lake, Napa, Solano, Colusa and Yolo Counties. They have responded to thousands of emergencies, from fires and medical aids, to floods and earthquakes in the six counties served and throughout the state.