Full Breakdown
Marysvale Women Fund Volunteer Firefighters with Hand-Made T-Shirts
8/19/2026, 4:34:25 AM
Community-Driven T-Shirt Initiative
In Marysvale, Utah, residents Brenda Yochim and Carla Engel have turned a hobby into a fundraiser for the town’s all-volunteer fire department. After the 2024 Silver King Fire, the duo began producing T-shirts at home, each design commemorating a specific wildfire that has threatened the area. The shirts are delivered to fire camps and other gathering points where crews are stationed, allowing firefighters to take home a tangible reminder of the community’s appreciation.
Recent Wildfire History
Marysvale and neighboring communities have faced a series of large fires in recent years: the Silver King Fire in 2024, the Monroe Canyon Fire the previous year, and the Wide Mouth 2 Fire this year. These incidents have strained local businesses and tourism, and have placed repeated demands on the volunteer fire department.
Key Figures
- Brenda Yochim – Marysvale resident who initiated the T-shirt project; her quilting background inspired the venture.
- Carla Engel – Co-creator of the shirts; her husband serves as a volunteer firefighter in Marysvale, and she assists the department when possible.
Impact and Outcomes
Proceeds from shirt sales have directly supported the fire department’s equipment needs. The funds raised were sufficient to replace a pump on one of the department’s fire engines, enhancing its operational capability. Beyond the financial contribution, the initiative fosters personal connections between firefighters and residents; the women frequently visit fire camps and airports to deliver shirts and thank crews by name, reinforcing a sense of shared community. Residents report that the ongoing fires have taken a toll on local businesses across Marysvale and nearby Monroe, making the fundraiser a meaningful gesture of gratitude.
How to Support
Community members interested in purchasing a shirt can contact Brenda Yochim at the phone number provided in the original report.
