LODD Announcement: CAL FIRE/San Luis Obispo County Fire Department Firefighter Wendy Watkins

It is with heavy hearts that CAL FIRE/San Luis Obispo County Fire Department and CAL FIRE, Local 2881, announce the passing of one of their own.

Firefighter Wendy Watkins, 39, passed away on March 19, 2026, following a courageous six-year battle with cancer. She began her career at the College of the Siskiyous Fire Academy in 2017, joined Templeton Fire, and became a Firefighter with CAL FIRE in 2018. Even when she could no longer serve on the front lines, she continued supporting the fire service in vital logistics and support roles during historic wildland fires across California.

Firefighter Watkins was a dedicated mentor at Camp Cinder in San Luis Obispo, where she helped inspire the next generation of female firefighters. She also served as Union Membership Liaison for the San Luis Obispo Chapter of Local 2881, supporting members and their families during hospitalizations and funerals. Her commitment to helping others remained steadfast, even throughout her own health battle.

Wendy was loved by everyone she encountered throughout her career. She will be remembered for her “small but mighty” spirit and the lasting impact she made on the department, the union, and all those who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor.

When: April 18, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Santa Margarita Ranch
9000 Yerba Buena Ave.
Santa Margarita, CA 93453