Farmington will break out the big boot this weekend, setting it up at the corner of Highway 4 and Escalon-Bellota Road to signify its annual Fill the Boot for Burns drive to benefit the Firefighters Burn Institute.

Traditionally, the department utilizes the long Presidents’ Day holiday weekend for the collection effort, with their location a prime spot for catching motorists heading to and from the mountains for some holiday travel.

Farmington Fire Chief Conni Bailey said “all proper permits have been obtained” and the effort will kick off on Friday afternoon, Feb. 14 and run straight through Monday, Feb. 17. Firefighters will be stationed at each of the four corners of the intersection seeking donations in their turnout boots. Hours will vary by the day, starting either late morning or at noon and running until approximately 5 p.m.

Several thousand dollars are donated each year over the four-day period, and that money is then donated to the Firefighters Burn Institute in Sacramento for a wide variety of programs and services, from the special camp for young burn survivors to treatment and support for burn victims.

Drivers that make a donation receive a special ‘Fill the Boot’ flier from firefighters to display on their dash so they don’t get asked again the next time they are driving in the area. The flier also has information about the project and the Firefighters Burn Institute.