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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Public Records Requests can be made directly through our Clerk of the Authority by clicking the link below. If you have any general questions regarding public records, please contact the Clerk of the Authority Office during regular business hours at (714) 573-6040
In the media
Catch the latest headlines and media coverage featuring the Orange County Fire Authority.
News & Updates
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.
From all of us at the Orange County Fire Authority, we wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season. Please celebrate safely. 🚒🎄
OCFA Dispatch has received a report from the crew of our Firehawk helicopter regarding a holiday aircraft. Meteorological analysis indicates an arrival in Orange County shortly after midnight on December 25, 2025.
All young children are advised to be in bed prior to its arrival.
Effective Wednesday, December 24 at 8 am, an Evacuation Order (Mandatory) is issued for Trabuco Creek, Hot Springs Canyon and Bell Canyon due to possible debris flows along or near the Airport Fire burn scar.
More info & map: http://www.ocsheriff.gov/airportfire
🎄 Holiday Safety Starts at Home 🎄
Last week, OCFA partnered with OCSD and UCI Health to share important safety reminders as we head into the holiday season—when fire and injury risks tend to increase.
To highlight the dangers, we set up two simulated living rooms: >>>>
•One featured a dry Christmas tree and an overloaded outlet with daisy-chained extension cords
•The other had a well-maintained tree and safe electrical setup
The difference was dramatic. The improperly maintained setup ignited and spread fire much faster, showing just >>>
how quickly a holiday fire can turn dangerous.
As you celebrate this season, remember:
✔ Keep Christmas trees well-watered
✔ Avoid overloading outlets and extension cords
✔ Practice safe decorating habits
From all of us at OCFA, we wish you a happy and safe holiday.
Smoke may be visible in parts of Orange County today. The U.S. Forest Service is planning to conduct a prescribed burn in the Cleveland National Forest from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Cleveland fuels crew have been busy implementing several forest health projects this season! In the upcoming weeks, you may see smoke as crews conduct prescribed fires. Stay safe! Watch for warning signs along the road and avoid these areas. More info: http://www.facebook.com/clevelandnf
In preparation for the anticipated rain in the forecast, we will have additional resources pre-positioned beginning Wednesday morning.
These resources include:
Swift water rescue units
Helicopters
Dozers
Hand crew firefighters
According to @NWSSanDiego, rainfall rates may overwhelm drainage systems, increasing the risk of flooding and roadway ponding. A wind advisory has also been issued for Wednesday.
We encourage our community to plan ahead, use caution, and stay informed as conditions change.
Orange County, heavy rain is in the forecast for the next few days. 🌧️ Slow down on the roads and plan ahead to stay safe.
Do you need sandbags? Visit https://www.ocfa.org/residents/sandbags/ to find an OCFA station near you carrying sandbags. Please bring your own shovel, supplies are limited.
“You were smooth and calm. I’m going to call you Salvavidas. That means lifesavers in Spanish.”
We were honored to receive a visit from a community member who stopped by Fire Station 75 in @CityofSantaAna today to personally thank our firefighters for the care they provided to him during a medical event and for the calming reassurance they gave his wife.
When they left, his wife reflected, “What a blessing to meet them.”
We couldn’t agree more. It was a privilege to be together today. We are grateful for moments like these and proud of our team’s professionalism, compassion, and dedication to our community.
Firefighters were honored to attend this year’s Benefit Concert for the Orange County Fire Authority. Hosted by the Music Story Foundation and held at Concordia University in Irvine, the event provided an inspiring evening where students, families, and friends came together >>>
to express their appreciation for firefighters through classical music and charitable donations to the OCFA Foundation. Firefighters from Truck 4 and Information 1 were humbled to be part of this heartwarming event - a reminder of the importance of community and generosity.
Family escaped fire that spread into their home and threatened another.
Santa Ana - A family woke up to the sound of glass breaking when an exterior fire rapidly spread into their home on W. Kent Street and was threatening a house behind it. >>>
prevent the blaze from spreading into the home to the rear.
Damage to the structure is estimated at $200K and $100K to contents. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
🎥 courtesy of @CountyNewsTV
@CountyNewsTV The @SoCal_RedCross was requested to assist five adults who were displaced. Assistance was provided by the Fountain Valley Fire Department.
Crews launched a coordinated fire attack, rapidly knocking down the flames and preventing further spread. During operations, firefighters also rescued three dogs from inside the building.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported. >>>
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. We received the call at approximately 7:50 this evening. The incident was on Cartegena. 🎥 @OCHAWKNEWS
🔥 Dogs Saved in 3-Alarm Blaze 🔥
Firefighters arrived on scene tonight to find a two-story condo complex with fire through the roof. Two units were fully involved, with four adjacent units immediately threatened. The damage was limited to 3 units total. >>>>
Crews will remain on scene overnight mopping up and extinguishing hotspots. The incident occurred in Aliso Viejo.
Who knew John McClane wanted to be an OCFA Firefighter this whole time? We did, and we are happy to report that: A) Die Hard is a Christmas movie, and B) the classic Run DMC track from the film is now part of OCFA holiday parody lore.
Enjoy, and have a safe and enjoyable holiday season!
Congratulations to Orange County Fire Authority's newest graduates, Academy 62! 🔥 Over the last few months, they have each put in countless hours of training and dedication to become an OCFA firefighter.
We look forward to seeing them serve the residents of Orange County with integrity, compassion, and courage. Welcome to the OCFA family! Wishing each of you a safe, successful, and rewarding career.
Holiday lights should bring joy to your home, not put it at risk. ✨💡
Avoid overloading outlets, and always unplug decorations and lights before leaving your home or going to bed. A few simple steps can help keep you safe.
New technology has been introduced at OCFA! After completing hands-on training with our nurse educators, all crews are now equipped to use our newest Stryker LIFEPAK 35 monitors, which bring important upgrades and advanced clinical capabilities to the communities we serve.
Cardiac monitors assist with Return of Spontaneous Circulation, or “ROSC,” which refers to the restoration of a pulse and effective circulation following cardiac arrest – a critical step toward survival in prehospital cardiac care.
In 2024, OCFA crews achieved ROSC at a rate that exceeds the national average, delivering 300 cardiac patients to hospitals with a pulse and circulation, and as always, we now aim to improve upon that success with new technology and training.
The Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Professional Firefighters Local 3631 honor the life and service of Fire Captain Eric Weuve on this anniversary of his Line of Duty Death on December 13, 2016. Eric and his family are forever in our hearts.
🔥 QUICK STOP 🔥
This morning, OCFA firefighters battled a residential structure fire in Trabuco Canyon.
Upon arrival, crews found flames shooting from the rear windows of the home. Due to the distance to the nearest hydrant, firefighters laid hundreds of feet of hose and >>>>
coordinated between multiple units to secure a reliable water supply.
The teamwork allowed firefighters to quickly knock down the fire and prevent further spread.
Thank you to the residents in the area who kept the narrow road clear so our crews could access the scene. 👏
So many amazing donations at today’s Spark of Love Toy Drive, collecting toys for children across Orange County! 🚂🧸
We are still accepting new, unwrapped toys at all OCFA fire stations until December 24th. Visit https://ocfa.org/fire-stations/ to find a station near you.
Arson Detection K9 (Timber) 🤝 Retired Arson Detection K9 (Freedom)
Freedom is enjoying his well-earned retirement naps, while Timber has stepped into his new role as Arson Detection K9 for OCFA. Timber has the ability to locate ignitable liquids such as gasoline and lighter fluid by using his sense of smell.
The Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Professional Firefighters Local 3631 honor the life and service of Firefighter Gary Kuhl on this anniversary of his Line of Duty Death on December 10, 2019. Gary and his family are forever in our hearts.
"Fill the Boot" this Saturday, December 13! Keep your eyes out for OCFA firefighters located at the listed intersections. 🚗 OCFA and OC Firefighters, Local 3631 are raising funds for the research of muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases.
Firefighters airlift a rider who fell off a horse.
Newport Coast Unincorporated Area - Firefighters, including ground units and our Firehawk helicopter, responded shortly before 10:00 AM to a 911 call reporting that a woman had been injured after her horse fell and >>>
subsequently injured her. Firefighter paramedics initiated care and transported her in stable condition to a hospital by helicopter for further evaluation. The horse was uninjured and was able to walk off the trail.
Assistance was provided by Laguna Beach Fire and Orange County Parks.
The Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Professional Firefighters Local 3631 honor the life and service of Firefighter Brian Coney on this anniversary of his Line of Duty Death on December 8, 2019. Brian and his family are forever in our hearts.
🔥Early morning fire quickly contained by firefighters.
Irvine - Dispatchers in our Emergency Command Center received a report for a possible fire from a passerby of a commercial building shortly after 8:00 AM. >>>
Based on this and an additional alarm call, they dispatched a structure fire response. Firefighters from Station 28 were able to locate the fire in the 16900 block of Aston St. and reported smoke showing from a large business and upgraded the call to a working structure fire.
With a coordinated effort from crews, the blaze was knocked down in 11 minutes with no injuries reported. Fire investigators are on scene - a cause has not been determined yet. Assistance was provided by Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue and the Irvine Police Department. @CMFD_PIO
On Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we pause to honor the lives lost and the bravery shown on December 7, 1941. We remember the sacrifice of all who answered the call to defend our nation.
🏈 We need toys! 🧸
Come to the Walmart on Avenida Pico in San Clemente to donate an unwrapped new toy to the Spark of Love toy drive. Your donation will make someone’s holiday! We will be here until 2:00 PM.
“Open the window, son! Jump!” a father shouted in Spanish as he pounded on the window of his sleeping son, with fire racing through their home.
Five people are alive today thanks to the heroic actions of a 67-year-old man at his home on South Linda Way in @CityofSantaAna.
Reunited with loved ones and safe from harm, they reflected on the quick actions that turned what could have been a devastating tragedy into a story of courage and survival.
Thank you to Costa Mesa Fire, Fountain Valley Fire, Santa Ana PD, and SoCal Red Cross for the assistance, and thank you to the neighbor for the audio.
@CMFD_PIO @FV_CityHall @SantaAnaPD @SoCal_RedCross
When our pets fall asleep on the job 💤, the door between your house and garage becomes the real hero.
These doors are meant to close on their own for your safety. Avoid propping them open so they can do their job and help protect your home.
Your 2025 OCFA Wrapped is here 👀
Orange County, thanks for a great year! We hope you picked up something new about smoke alarms, cooking safety, and all the little tips that help keep you and your family safe.









