ProtectingTHE
lives, property, & environment
OFOrange County.
SINCE 1995
We're more than first responders—we're your neighbors. From fire safety tips to disaster prep and community outreach, we’re here to help Orange County stay safe and ready. Your safety is our mission, and we've got your back every step of the way. In service of others.
Fire Operations
Our operations focus on rapid, effective response to emergencies. From fire suppression to rescue missions, our teams are trained and equipped to handle any challenge. We work together to ensure safety and preparedness across Orange County, ready for whatever comes next.
Emergency Medical Services
Our highly trained emergency medical teams provide critical care on scene, ensuring that every resident has access to fast, effective treatment during urgent medical situations.
Emergency Command Center
ECC personnel receive 911 requests for service, dispatch fire and EMS resources, coordinate field operations, and support incidents ranging from everyday emergencies to large scale disasters ensuring timely response and effective regional coordination.
Public Information and Education
OCFA offers programs and resources to educate the public on fire safety, emergency preparedness, and disaster response. We believe informed communities are safer communities.
All Hazards
From hazmat and heavy rescue to US&R and wildfire, the OCFA is Orange County’s all-risk, all-hazard department.
Community Risk Reduction
OCFA’s Community Risk Reduction (CRR) department focuses on fire prevention, education, and safety through plan review, inspections, code enforcement, and community outreach. Their proactive efforts help reduce risks and protect lives before emergencies happen.
Join our Team
Be part of a diverse team united by service and commitment. At OCFA, your talents help us build safer, stronger communities.
News & Active Incidents
OCFA’s Active Incidents section provides real-time information on emergencies happening now. See where our first responders are deployed and stay connected to ongoing public safety efforts in your area.
Posts from @OCFireAuthority
Working smoke alarms? We LOVE that. 👏
Daylight saving time ends tomorrow, which means it's time to turn your clocks back AND check your smoke alarms! Use this as a reminder to test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries. Working smoke alarms make a huge difference.
Yesterday morning, #Academy64 hiked Peters Canyon while carrying wildland firefighting gear, including chainsaws and hose packs.
This training helps prepare recruits for the physical demands of wildland firefighting, where crews may need to hike steep and rugged terrain.
Graduation is getting closer for these recruits! 🚒
Video description: Group of OCFA firefighter recruits walk on a dirt trail in Peters Canyon carrying wildland gear.
Controlled Burn Underway
Cleveland National Forest crews are conducting a controlled burn in Rancho Carrillo today, targeting up to 18 acres.
Smoke may be visible from South Orange County and along Ortega Highway.
Low Angle Rope Rescue
This afternoon, firefighters in Laguna Niguel rescued a man who fell and was injured along Aliso Creek Trail.
Firefighter paramedics treated the patient while crews secured him in a Stokes basket and used a rope system to bring him up the embankment. >>>
Once safely rescued from the creek, the patient was transported to the hospital in stable condition.
The call came in at 12:49 P.M.
Need sandbags before the rain? 🌧️
Several OCFA fire stations offer both sand AND sandbags, while most OCFA stations have empty sandbags available to the public. Supplies are limited and may vary by location. Find locations and details: https://ocfa.org/residents/sandbags/
Bring your own shovel, check availability before heading out, and don't wait until heavy rain is in the forecast to make a plan.
It's National First Responders Day! 🚒
During the Norte Fire, we saw the impact of mutual aid as agencies from across California came together to help protect our communities and residents.
Thank you to the law enforcement agencies, dispatchers, EMTs, firefighters, and all first responders who answered the call and worked together to support our communities. We’re grateful for the teamwork and service of those who show up when it matters most.
Garage Fire – Two Cats Rescued
Last night, OCFA crews responded to a garage fire in Westminster that had extended into the attic of a single-story home. Firefighters quickly knocked down the flames, saving a significant portion of the home.
While crews battled the fire, >>>
they searched the smoke-filled home and found two cats. Firefighters safely brought both cats outside.
Fortunately, no one was injured. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Video 1 description (18 seconds): Nighttime footage shows a structure heavily involved in >>>
fire, with large flames rising above the roof and thick smoke billowing overhead. Firefighters move through the scene as a yellow hose stretches across the street.
Video 2 description (9 seconds): Nighttime footage shows thick smoke rising from a structure as firefighters work.
2 Cities — 1 Community
Last Friday, we joined our partners in public safety, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, at the San Clemente vs. San Juan Hills varsity football game, where both schools came together to recognize the first responders who served their communities >>>
San Clemente versus San Juan Hills football game show an OCFA helicopter flying over the stadium, players taking the field, and firefighters and sheriff’s deputies being recognized. The video includes footage from the Norte Fire, an interview at >>>
the game, the coin toss, and group photos of first responders with both teams. It ends with game footage and the OCFA logo.
“He saved my life.”
A Laguna Woods resident said those words after her neighbor pounded on her door early this morning to alert her to a fire on her patio that was quickly spreading to the roof and into her home while she slept.
Video #1 Description: This 11-second video shows firefighters carrying small items out of a fire-damaged home, stepping over hoses along the walkway. Blackened walls surround the entrance and patio, and a ladder extends to the tile roof.
Video #2 Description: This five-second video shows firefighters outside a smoke-filled home as water sprays toward the roofline. A ladder rests against the roof, hoses cross the lawn and walkway, and a fire truck is parked nearby.
Tomorrow is OCFA Station Open Houses! Join us Saturday, October 3, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at a participating fire station. 🚒
This free, family-friendly event invites residents to tour a local station and meet OCFA firefighters. No RSVP needed, just show up and enjoy the fun! 😊
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is over 99%.
Early detection includes scheduling mammograms and clinical breast exams.
You see the rescues. What you don’t always see are the hours of training that come before them. Here’s a look behind the scenes.
Video description: 28-second video of firefighters training on technical rescue skills, including rope systems and rappelling. On-screen text: “You’ve seen the rescues. What you don’t always see is what comes before them. Training.” Ends with OCFA logo and “In Service of Others.”
Today, the heavy equipment operators from Wildland Operations collaborated with Seal Beach Public Works to build a berm to protect homes from the predicted high surf and tides.
Last week, OCFA was honored to join the Orange County Business Council’s annual First Responders Dinner.
Fire Chief McGovern joined fellow officials for a panel discussion about the GKN hazardous materials incident. Division Chief Covey and Battalion Chief Goodwin >>>
represented the OCFA members recognized for their actions early in the incident.
The evening also honored Division Chief Henery for more than 40 years of service to the people of Orange County. Thank you to the Business Council for including us in this year’s event.
Technical Rescue - Irvine
This morning, a window washer became stranded approximately 60 feet above the ground after his harness and lowering system malfunctioned.
Truck 20 & our technical rescue team used the truck’s aerial ladder and bucket to bring him to safety injury free.
Garage Fire Contained, Entire Interior of Home Saved
Early this morning in Seal Beach, a homeowner heard noises coming from his garage. He checked his garage camera and saw what appeared to be a fire. When he opened the door between the kitchen and garage and saw the flames, >>>
he closed it immediately and got his family outside.
Crews arrived and quickly knocked down the fire, containing it to the garage. The inside of the home and the family’s belongings were saved. The fire was deemed to be caused by an unspecified electrical failure in the garage.>
Video description: This 32-second video begins with Ring camera footage showing flames inside a garage beneath a hanging bicycle. It then cuts to nighttime views outside the home, where flames and thick smoke rise while firefighters work at the scene.
#Academy64 vertical ventilation training at work. 🔥
Vertical ventilation is a technique used to release heat and smoke from a structure. Firefighters perform this operation, helping improve conditions inside the building and increasing the chances of victim survival.
Garden Grove House Fire
This morning, Engine 82 arrived at a large, single-story home with heavy fire coming from a bedroom. Crews immediately began attacking the fire while searching the home for anyone inside.
Crews rapidly knocked down the fire, saving a significant >>>
portion of the home. No one was injured in the blaze.
Video description: This 43-second video shows flames and thick black smoke coming from a Garden Grove home. As firefighters apply water, the smoke becomes lighter. The video then shows the home’s fire-damaged exterior.
An honor recognizing 35 years of service and leadership.
Last night, the OCFA Board of Directors voted to remove the word “Interim” from Chief TJ McGovern’s title in recognition of his service and leadership of the OCFA during this important transition.
is selected and onboarded through our current national search,” Chief McGovern said.
Chief McGovern is now the sixth Board-appointed Fire Chief in OCFA’s 31-year history.
We congratulate Fire Chief TJ McGovern on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for continuing to lead the OCFA through this transition.
Adults deserve gold stars, too! ⭐️
September is National Preparedness Month, so consider this your reminder to get prepared before an emergency happens. Take steps now to protect your family and your home before the next earthquake, wildfire, or other disaster.
Flames spread quickly from a carport into a house on Lorna Street in @CityGardenGrove shortly after 2:30 this afternoon. Firefighters stopped the fire from extending further into the home.
An OCFA drone operator then flew a drone overhead to help crews locate and extinguish remaining hot spots. No injuries were reported, and the cause is under investigation. Thank you to @GardenGrovePD for their assistance.
Video description: Firefighters in protective gear work around a smoke-filled home, stretching hose lines and operating equipment. OCFA drone footage provides an overhead view as crews look for hot spots. The video ends with the OCFA logo and the words, “In Service of Others.”
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Throughout the month, OCFA shares information, resources, and testimonials with staff and operations personnel.
Today, professional staff at our Headquarters participated in a Suicide Prevention & Awareness Walk. Led by Chief Maule, staff came together to raise awareness, support prevention efforts, and pay tribute to those we have lost.
A remarkable career. A lasting legacy. Thirty years of dedicated service.
Assistant Chief Baryic Hunter will retire today after three decades of serving others. His career began in 1996 as a firefighter with the Carlsbad Fire Department, followed by service with San Diego >>>
Blue Ridge, Bond and Silverado fires and the GKN hazardous materials incident.
A lifelong learner and trusted leader, Chief Hunter leaves behind a legacy of operational excellence, dedicated mentorship and an unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. >>>
Chief Hunter, congratulations on an extraordinary career. We wish you and your family all the best in this well-earned next chapter.
Chief Hunter, congratulations on an extraordinary career. We wish you and your family all the best in this well-earned next chapter.
Blue Ridge, Bond and Silverado fires and the GKN hazardous materials incident.
A lifelong learner and trusted leader, Chief Hunter leaves behind a legacy of operational excellence, dedicated mentorship and an unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. >>>
Chief Hunter, congratulations on an extraordinary career. We wish you and your family all the best in this well-earned next chapter.
All-Hazard Incident Management Team, as Director of Emergency Services, and as president of the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association. His experience and steady presence proved invaluable during some of our region’s most significant emergencies, including the >>>
Would you like the opportunity to tour your local fire station, talk with firefighters, and learn how to keep your family safe?
Join us on Saturday, October 3, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for Station Open Houses! There are 25 participating OCFA fire stations listed here. 😀
What does a Day in the Life look like for Engineer Bonilla at Station 83 in Garden Grove? Each day at an OCFA station is unpredictable.
Those values continue to guide him today. “I try to bring those values to the firehouse every day, be someone my crew can depend on, and make the most of the opportunities my parents sacrificed so much to give me.”
Being an Engineer has given him the opportunity to take on more responsibility, grow in his career, and mentor others." #HispanicHeritageMonth
The Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Professional Firefighters Local 3631 honor the life and service of Firefighter Jimmy Owen on this anniversary of his Line of Duty Death on September 16, 2010. Jimmy and his family are forever in our hearts.
The Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Professional Firefighters Local 3631 honor the life and service of Firefighter Allen C. Donelan on this anniversary of his Line of Duty Death on September 13, 1998. Allen and his family are forever in our hearts.
| Type | Location | Time |
|---|
Stay connected
Discover opportunities to connect, learn, and engage with OCFA. Stay informed on happenings near you.
Stay Alert, Stay safe
Watch Duty provides up-to-the-minute, life-saving information through a dedicated team of active and retired firefighters, dispatchers, first responders, and reporters who monitor radio scanners around the clock.
Contribute to our cause
To assist the Orange County Fire Authority with additional resources needed to provide an enhanced level of fire prevention, suppression, and emergency medical services to the citizens of Orange County
CONTACT US
Whether you have questions, need assistance, or just want to learn more about how we serve the community, we're here to help.
Stop by our Headquarters
Open Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
NOTE: Our office is closed on every other Friday
Call Us
Gold Helmet Department
We are proud to be the first fire agency in California to be recognized as a Gold Helmet Department by the National Firefighter Registry, a testament to our firefighters' contributions to the most significant fire service cancer-prevention data collection in history.