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.
stay connected
Media inquiries
Corporate Communications, Community Relations, Public Information
We provide brochures and flyers on life and fire safety topics, schedule school programs and fire station tours, and keep the public and media informed during emergency incidents.
General information line:
Media ONLY line:
Request a Public Record
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.
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
Help Us Serve
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
#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.
Thank you, Mission Viejo High School!
We were truly honored by the warm welcome at your Mission For Heroes football game last night.
Interim Fire Chief TJ McGovern and our firefighters were proud to stand alongside students, student-athletes, families, and educators celebrating military personnel, their families, first responders, and all who serve our community.
As we mark 25 years since September 11, 2001, moments like these remind us of the strength of community and our shared commitment to one another.
@MissionViejoCA
@MissionViejoFootball
The Orange County Fire Authority gathered this morning to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001, including 343 firefighters, and to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and service that continue to define their legacy.
We are grateful to our OCFA Board Directors, distinguished guests, and community members who joined us in solemn remembrance. We honor all those who served and carry forward our commitment to remember.
Never forget.
Today, we honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001, 25 years ago.
Orange County Fire Authority will hold its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony today at 8:30 a.m. The ceremony will be live-streamed on OCFA’s Facebook page, @OCFireAuthority.
☣️ HAZMAT INCIDENT ☣️
Crews responded to a manufacturing building in Garden Grove this morning after water came into contact with sodium hydroxide and/or sulfamic acid, triggering a chemical reaction inside the facility.
HazMat crews quickly went to work, containing the >>>
reaction to a single room before safely neutralizing the hazard.
Fortunately, there were no injuries and no threat to the surrounding community.
The scene was turned over to the business and the Orange County Health Care Agency for cleanup.
OCFA Fleet Services is hiring a Communications Installer. Do you want to be a part of the team? Visit https://bit.ly/JOINOCFA for more information.
Tag someone below who should apply.👇 #JoinOCFA
OCFA's Girls Empowerment Camp application is officially open! This free, two-day camp is open to 14–18-year-olds and provides campers with a realistic, hands-on overview of firefighting.🔥
Don't wait, applications close Oct. 2. Visit https://www.joinocfa.org/gec to learn more.
Happy Labor Day from the Orange County Fire Authority.
During the late 19th century, labor unions started to form and fight for American workers’ rights to fair pay, hours, and working conditions. Labor Day was designed to recognize the contributions American workers have made.
With Labor Day approaching, we anticipate many residents will be enjoying the holiday with friends and family. 🌞
As you fire up the barbecue, remember to keep grills a safe distance from homes, overhanging branches, children, and pets, and never leave a hot grill unattended.
Neighbors reported smoke billowing from the second story of a home on Paseo San Gabriel in @CityOfSJC at 7:24 this morning.
Firefighters arrived in just six minutes amid reports that someone might still be inside.
One part of this story we want to share as an important safety reminder: neighbors heard smoke alarms sounding when they noticed the smoke. Make sure your home has working smoke alarms because every second counts.
The cause is under investigation, and nobody was injured. Thank you to our partners @OCSDSanJuanCap for their assistance.
@OCFirefighters
Final Incident Update:
Forward progress of the #GibbyFire has been stopped at approximately 250 acres. Crews will remain on scene for mop-up and patrol.
All shelter-in-place orders have been lifted. Ortega Highway will remain closed from Gateway to Grand in Riverside County.
#GibbyFire Update:
After crews worked throughout the night, the fire is now 5% contained, with containment expected to increase significantly today.
An OCFA drone mapped the fire overnight at approximately 217 acres. Crews will continue working throughout the day.
#GibbyFire Update: Crews are making good progress. With the smoke column less prevalent, we were able to get a more accurate acreage reading. The fire is currently 216 acres.
Ortega Highway remains closed from La Pata Avenue through the Riverside County line.
#GibbyFire Update: A Shelter in Place is in effect for Caspers Wilderness Park and Rancho Carrillo.
If you are within Caspers Wilderness Park or Rancho Carrillo, remain in place and follow directions from public safety personnel.
State Route 74 eastbound is closed at Avenida La Pata and the Riveside County line. Rancho Carrillo Road is also closed.
State Route 74 eastbound is closed at Avenida La Pata and the Riveside County line. Rancho Carrillo Road is also closed.
OCFA remains actively engaged in fighting the #GibbyFire and is in unified command with CAL FIRE, the U.S. Forest Service, CHP, OCSD, and OC Parks.
Firefighters continue working from the ground and air. Please continue to avoid the area.
The Gibby Fire is approximately 150 acres. Crews are attacking the fire from the ground and the air (INCLUDING FIREHAWKS, FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT, HAND CREWS, & DOZERS), with additional resources en route. No homes are currently threatened.
Please continue to avoid the area.
Firefighters are on-scene of a vegetation fire off Ortega Highway in Rancho Mission Viejo Unincorporated that was reported at 2:02 p.m.
Please avoid the area to allow us to work safely.
#GibbyFire
The #GibbyFire is currently at 450 acres. Incident Commander Chief Maule provides an update on the ongoing firefight.
| Type | Location | Time |
|---|