Cleveland National Forest near Lake Elsinore in Riverside County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
El Cariso Memorial
Decker Fire/Stewart Fire/Loop Fire
Photographed by Craig Baker
1. El Cariso Memorial Marker
California Wildland Firefighters Memorial
Each year thousands of wildfires are fought in California. Each year, hundreds of firefighters are injured protecting public and private property, and natural resources from destruction. Almost every year, a few firefighters die.
On August 8, 1959, seven firefighters were killed in the line of duty while battling the Decker Canyon fire. The location where the firefighters' mortal injuries were recieved is locted within a mile of the memorial site.
The Memorial has three parts. First, in 2000 the state legislature designated the Ortega Highway (SR-74) as the "California Wildland Firefighters Memorial Highway." Secondly, the Cleveland National Forest dedicated a memorial picnic ground adjacent to the highway. Finally, a monument is being built in this location to honor California wildland firefighters.
This sign compliments of Boy Scouts of America Eagle Project
El Cariso Memorial
This monument erected in memory of the following men who gave their lives fighting forest fires in these mountains.
Durward F. Slater · Andrew
this page online
Decker Fire August 8, 1959
*Stewart Fire Dec. 14, 1958
Help prevent loss of life and property.
This forest belongs to you.
Erected by the California Horsemen
El Cariso Memorial
In memory of the men of the Trabuco District, Cleveland National Forest who gave their lives fighting the Loop Fire, of the Angeles National Forest, November 1, 1966.
Raymond Chee · James Moreland · Michael White · John Figlo · William Waller · Joel Hill · Kenneth Barnhill · Carl Shilcutt · John Verdugo · Steven White · Daniel Moore · Frederick Danner
Sponsors: Citizens & Groups of Southern California
Erected 1996 by Boy Scouts of America, U.S. Forest Service, California Horsemen, and Citizens & Groups of Southern California.
Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 33° 39.091′ N, 117° 24.504′ W. Marker is near Lake Elsinore, California, in Riverside County. It
Photographed by Craig Baker
2. El Cariso Memorial
Regionally, this marker and memorial is in Greater Los Angeles, in the Inland Empire, and in the Peninsular Ranges. It is also in the American Southwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexico’s Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Lake Elsinore Library (approx. 4½ miles away); Crescent Bath House (approx. 4.7 miles away); Santa Fe Station (approx. 4.7 miles away); Mary McDonald Gazebo (approx. 4.7 miles away); Plants and People (approx. 4.8 miles away); Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 4.8 miles away); Old Temescal Road (approx. 8.9 miles away);
Photographed by Craig Baker
3. El Cariso Memorial
Another marker is no longer nearby. Site of First House in Riverside County (was approx. 9.4 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. — Loop Fire memorial in El Cariso Park, Sylmar.
Photographed by Craig Baker
4. El Cariso Memorial
Photographed by Craig Baker
5. El Cariso Memorial
Photographed by Craig Baker
6. El Cariso Memorial
Credits. This page was last revised on October 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 15 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 19, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
