Celebrating nearly eight decades of community service, Murrieta Fire & Rescue hosted its 79th annual Firefighters BBQ on Saturday at Town Square Park, drawing residents for a day of live entertainment, vendor markets, and the event’s signature smoked tri-tip.
The free, public event is recognized as one of Riverside County’s longest-running traditions, with the inaugural barbecue held in 1948. Designed to foster community support for local public safety personnel and show appreciation to the citizens they serve, the gathering featured a beer and wine garden, a bag-toss tournament, and a variety of local vendors.
A central highlight of Saturday’s event was the annual Fire Explorers “Muster” Competition, where fire explorers from across Southern California gathered to showcase their training and skills.
Beyond the competition, the cadets played a crucial role in the day’s operations. The youths helped set up major portions of the event, arranging tables and chairs and transporting supplies from the parking lots to the grass field. They also stepped in without hesitation to assist vendors who would have otherwise faced great difficulties setting up their stalls. Journalists on scene reported being approached multiple times throughout the day by merchants specifically commending the youths for their help, an effort that underscores the Explorers’ remarkable dedication to the community.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees purchased $15 lunch plates featuring the department’s famous smoked tri-tip, served alongside classic potato salad, baked beans, and a fresh roll. Because the department does not offer pre-sale tickets, the highly anticipated meals historically sell out before the 3 p.m. cutoff. To accommodate the growing crowds for the 79th anniversary, officials expanded the event this year to include additional food options, live music at the Town Square Park Amphitheater, and a DJ.
