Media Center
Corporate Communications tells OCFA’s story with transparency, accuracy, and purpose. This team leads internal and external communications, responds to media inquiries, supports emergency incidents, and drives public awareness through education campaigns and community outreach. From crisis response to everyday storytelling, they ensure OCFA’s voice remains clear, timely, and connected to the people we serve.
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In the media
Catch the latest headlines and media coverage featuring the Orange County Fire Authority.
Podcast - Hot Pursuit
Join hosts OCFA Fire Captain/Investigator Scott Kuhlman and Sophia Champieux as they take you behind the scenes of Orange County’s most compelling fire investigations. From arson to accidental blazes, twice a month we’ll explore a new case that uncovers the science, intuition, and human stories behind the flames. Through interviews with experts, fire investigators, law enforcement, and forensic specialists, Hot Pursuit offers an insider’s look at how these mysterious and often chilling fires are solved. Discover the untold stories that rise from the ashes, one fire at a time.
Executive Producer: Kevin Hansen
Hosts: Sophia Champieux & Scott Kuhlman
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Support OCFA’s mission to protect and serve the community. Your contributions help fund vital programs and resources that save lives.
News and Active Incidents
OCFA’s Active Incidents section provides real-time information on emergencies happening now. See where our responders are deployed and stay connected to ongoing public safety efforts in your area.
Posts from @OCFireAuthority
The Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Professional Firefighters Local 3631 honor the life and service of Fire Apparatus Engineer Lester L. Webster on this anniversary of his Line of Duty Death on October 11, 2017. Lester and his family are forever in our hearts.
Early this morning, firefighters knocked down a house fire on Via Burriana in @MissionViejoCA in just 12 minutes.
Residents awoke shortly before 4 a.m. to the fire in a bedroom and narrowly escaped as they called 911.
Firefighter paramedics assessed two patients, transporting one to the hospital for further evaluation.
Thank you to @OCSDMissionV and @SoCal_RedCross for the assistance.
🔥Firefighters quickly knock down a vegetation fire along SR-133.🔥
Irvine - Dispatchers in our emergency command center received multiple calls for a grass fire in the center median along State Route 133 south of Lake Forest Dr. around 5:30 this afternoon. >>>
Engine 47 was the first arriving unit and found a fire in the center median and initiated an attack with hose lines. Due to the rapid response by multiple engine companies, crews were able to quickly surround the blaze and stop its spread.
The fire was kept to approximately 1/8 of an acre. There were no injuries reported and no structures were threatened. The cause is under investigation.
We don’t want you to miss our Station Open Houses, so we’re hoping you’ll spend Saturday morning with us! 😄
Join us this Saturday, October 11, from 9am-12pm at one of OCFA's 25 participating fire stations.
We had the honor of welcoming Mr. T to Fire Station 75 and our Headquarters! He connected with our crews, inspired our employees with a powerful leadership presentation at headquarters, and reminded us all of the value of service, strength, and community.
We’re grateful he made the time to visit the OCFA! 🔥
Have you ever wondered how to charge and dispose of lithium-ion batteries properly? Follow these tips inspired by this year's Fire Prevention Week Theme: Charge into Fire Safety!
Keep Away from Combustibles - Keep lithium-ion batteries away from combustible materials when charging.
Never Throw in Trash - Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash.
Recycle Properly - Contact your local recycling center or waste management department for proper disposal.
Store Separately - Do not put discarded batteries together in a container or pile.
Honoring a Remarkable Journey: Deputy Chief Lori Zeller Retires
After nearly three decades of extraordinary service, Deputy Chief Lori Zeller is closing this chapter of her career, leaving a lasting imprint on the Orange County Fire Authority that will resonate for years to >>>
and created a culture where others can thrive. She led with heart, always prioritizing the greater good and lifting others as she rose.
Her retirement marks the end of an era, but it also challenges each of us to rise to the example she set. Lori redefined what it means to >>>
lead with purpose, and her influence will continue to guide us as we build the future she helped make possible.
Thank you, Lori, for your tireless dedication and unmatched leadership. Wishing you nothing but joy and fulfillment in this next chapter.
Participate in Fire Prevention Week with the Orange County Fire Authority! Join us this Saturday, October 11, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at a participating fire station. 🚒
This free, family-friendly event invites residents to tour their local station, meet their neighborhood firefighters, and learn valuable fire prevention tips.
It's Fire Prevention Week and this year's theme "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home," is geared towards educating everyone on how to use lithium-ion batteries safely. 🔋
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) encourages users to always use the cord that comes with the product being charged, follow the manufacturer's instructions and don't overcharge your devices.
Follow along this week for tips on how to buy, charge and recycle batteries responsibly. Visit for additional safety flyers.
Fire Prevention Week - OCFA
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This weekend, we paid tribute to Fire Captain Robin A. Culp and Fire Apparatus Engineer James R. Forrester, two of our own who were among 30 firefighters honored and remembered during the California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony in Sacramento.
This solemn ceremony is a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice these firefighters made in the line of duty. We honor their courage, dedication, and the legacy they leave behind in the hearts of their loved ones, their fire service family, and the communities they served.
Thank you @CaFireFound for honoring the fallen.
The Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Professional Firefighters Local 3631 honor the life and service of Captain Thomas O. Wall on this anniversary of his Line of Duty Death on October 5, 1998. Thomas 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 Fire Captain Dennis Donelson on this anniversary of his Line of Duty Death on October 4, 1986. Dennis and his family are forever in our hearts.
Congratulations to the six individuals recognized at our recent promotional and recognition ceremony. Every celebration tells a story - of years of service to our communities and beyond to the dedication required to rise to the next level. >>>
Promotions come with many late nights studying, early mornings training, and an unwavering drive to excel in serving others. We celebrated the achievements of these dedicated firefighters who serve Orange County with skill, heart, and pride.
Congratulations on your well-deserved success!
Sean Bell - Paramedic
Jeremy Alvarez - Fire Apparatus Engineer
Colin Ingraham - Fire Apparatus Engineer
Doug Robarge - Fire Apparatus Engineer
Andrew Matsumoto - Fire Apparatus Engineer
Captain Rich Ventura - 40 years of service.
‼️ Important Station Open House Update ‼️
OCFA's Station Open House is happening October 11, from 9am-12pm! Join us for the chance to tour a fire station, talking with your local firefighters, and learn fire prevention tips.
Please note: Station 23 in Villa Park is no longer participating in this year's Open House. We invite you to visit one of our 24 other participating stations!
It’s National Fire Pup Day! 🐾 Today we’re celebrating the retirement of OCFA’s Accelerant Detection K9, Freedom!
Throughout his career, Freedom helped investigate arson cases, kept our communities safe, and attended community events. Now, he’s officially out of service and will spend his days playing fetch, napping, and soaking up all the love. ❤️ Thank you, Freedom!
We have established a forward-operating helipad in @CitySanClemente to strengthen our rapid initial attack on wildfires.
Located next to OCFA Fire Station 59 on Avenida La Pata, this helipad empowers OCFA Air Operations to stage an #OCFAFireHawk — ready to launch — during critical weather events.
We are grateful to the City of San Clemente for their vision and partnership in making this forward-operating site possible. Their commitment enhances wildfire readiness across Orange County and shows how local collaboration is a powerful force multiplier.
It's 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, clinical breast exams and self-exams.
Today may be the last day of National Preparedness Month, but readiness lasts all year. 🗓️
Create a family disaster plan so everyone knows where to meet, how to stay in touch, and what to do in an emergency. Download the template here: https://bit.ly/HouseholdDisasterPlan
Are you interested in a career that is rewarding, full of opportunities, and supports your community? OCFA is hiring dispatchers to join our team! 📞
Visit http://bit.ly/JOINOCFA to apply today!
Recently OCFA hosted Girls Empowerment Camp, a two-day event giving 14–18-year-olds the ability to explore a career in the fire service, build connections, and leave feeling empowered!
Highlights for campers included using chainsaws, rappelling down a building, breaking open doors, and building their confidence while making new friends along the way.💪
Today, we’re proud to highlight OCFA Senior Service Center Technician Luis in honor of #HispanicHeritageMonth and the contributions of Hispanic communities, firefighters, and professional staff.
He credits his family, both in Orange County and Mexico, as his greatest inspiration, teaching him the values of hard work, dedication, and integrity. Luis also takes pride in his Hispanic heritage, rooted in deep traditions, culture, and a strong sense of family.
We are grateful to have Luis as part of the OCFA family and appreciate his dedication, positive morale, and strong work ethic. #InServiceOfOthers
When an ammonia leak alarm at a commercial building in the 6500 block of Caballero Blvd in @BuenaParkCA activated at 7:25 a.m., our Hazardous Materials Response Team responded. Our HazMat firefighters entered the building, safely mitigated the leak, and searched the building.
Nobody was injured. Thank you to @BuenaParkPD for controlling access to the area so employees of neighboring businesses remained safe as we worked, and thank you to @OCHealth HazMat for the teamwork.
@OCFADivision7
Firefighters were dispatched to a house fire on Athena at 2:32 AM in the City of Mission Viejo. Initial crews found a well-involved fire that spread from the first floor to the second, and had rapidly deteriorated. >>>
Family members made it out without injuries, but tragically one did not. Because of the extreme conditions inside, firefighters were pulled out of the house and went into a defensive strategy - attack from the outside. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Mission Viejo - Firefighters are on scene of a fully-involved two-story house fire. A second alarm has been requested.
San Clemente - Our dispatchers and firefighters were busy this afternoon when a second working structure fire broke out shortly after 2:00 PM in the 100 block of W Escalones. >>>
Engine 60 arrived to find a two story residential structure that began on the first floor and rapidly spread to the room above. Due to a rapid attack, firefighters were able to prevent the blaze from extending to the adjacent structure that was taking on heat and
surrounding wires and trees.
One person was assessed by firefighter paramedics, but declined to be transported to the hospital. The Red Cross was requested to assist residents who were displaced. The cause is under investigation.
🔥Residents narrowly escaped as a fire rapidly spread. 🔥
San Juan Capistrano - Dispatchers in our Emergency Command Center received multiple calls for heavy black smoke showing from the 32000 block of Alipaz St. shortly after 2:00 PM today. >>>
E7 deployed multiple hose lines to attack the blaze and knock down the fire in the second unit.
A search of the homes revealed residents had escaped safely. Crews were able to prevent the continued fire extension and knock down the original fire without injury to anyone.
The Red Cross was requested to assist three adults who were displaced. Fire investigators are on scene - a cause has not been determined yet.
Day in the Life of Arson Detection K9, Freedom!
This hardworking pup spends his days on the go, whether at training or responding to calls, he’s always ready to assist. Not pictured are all the belly rubs and attention. 🐶
After years of dedicated service, Freedom will soon be retiring from OCFA. Join us in celebrating this very good boy and all he’s done for our community!
Over the weekend, we honored the one-year anniversary of the tragic rollover crash that injured eight of our Handcrew Firefighters.
Matt’s fight is far from over, and the need for community support remains urgent. Please join us in standing with Matt and all the injured firefighters as they continue their road to recovery.
Today is Fall Prevention Awareness Day. Simple changes at home like removing tripping hazards, securing rugs, and adding grab bars can help protect your loved ones, especially older adults.
Reduce risks of falls by:
🏠 Removing items in your home that increase tripping hazards
👞 Wearing sturdy, non-slip shoes
👓 Seeing your eye doctor at least once a year
🍎 Choosing healthy meals
⛳ Exercising to improve strength and balance
Firefighters make it a priority to know the buildings in their area. Here’s why:
A fire breaks out on an upper floor of a high-rise building. Thick, choking smoke fills the air. People are trying to escape. That’s what firefighters face when the alarm sounds. >>>
The scenario: a simulated fire on an upper floor. The mission: gain access fast, bring in equipment, and get water on the fire - all while ensuring the safety of anyone inside.
Our incident objectives:
✅ Search & rescue and evacuation
✅ Get water on the fire and stabilize the incident
✅ Check for fire spread and begin salvage operations to protect property
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