Filing a Claim for Damages to Person or Property

All claims for damages against the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) must be filed with the OCFA and must conform to the government claim requirements as established by the Government Code Sections 911.2 and 915. Government Code Section 911.2 states that most claims for damages against a public entity must be filed within six months of accrual of the cause of action. Government Code Section 915 addresses the method of delivery of the claim to the public entity. With very limited exceptions, no lawsuit for money or damages may be brought against a public entity unless a claim has been formally presented to the entity and rejected or has been deemed to be rejected by the passage of time (California Government Code Sections 945.4 and 912.4).

How to Obtain and Submit a Claim to OCFA

A complete claim form and related documentation must be filed with the OCFA Clerk of Authority at the following address:

You can download the claim form below or request one be mailed or faxed to you by contacting the Risk Management Department at (714) 573-6830.

Download Claim Form

Claim forms may also be picked up in person by visiting the Clerk of the Authority during regular business hours

What happens to the claim once it is filed

The OCFA will respond to the claim within 45 days after it is received. A letter will be sent to the claimant advising that the claim is under review by Risk Management and notification of disbursement of the claim will be forthcoming within five days of the date of the letter.

This is not intended to constitute legal advice. If you have questions about your legal rights or obligations, please contact an attorney.