The following is a press release from an organization unaffiliated with Voice of OC. The views expressed here are not those of Voice of OC.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2025
Media Contact:
Tori Hegner, The ACE Agency
(619) 249-7782, torih@theaceagency.com
Orange County Fire Watch Gears Up for Southern California’s Fire Season
Over 300 Volunteers Mobilize to Protect Wildlands Through Education, Early Reporting and Deterrence
(Orange County, Calif.) – In preparation for Southern California’s peak fire season, Orange County Fire Watch volunteers, managed by Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) staff, conducted a mock deployment on August 13 to practice their response protocols. Wildfires are among the most destructive events that can occur in urban wildlands and pose a serious threat to nearby communities, making proactive efforts like Fire Watch essential.
Managed by IRC in partnership with OC Parks, the City of Irvine, the City of Newport Beach and the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), Orange County Fire Watch was created to protect Orange County’s wildlands from wildfire. The collaborative fire prevention program has more than 300 dedicated volunteers who work to prevent catastrophic wildfires through education, early reporting and deterrence. During Red Flag Warning events, volunteers and partner agency staff are deployed to high-risk areas. Practicing these exercises during mock deployments simulates real wildfire conditions, ensuring volunteers are prepared to act swiftly and effectively.
“Over the past 20 years, Orange County has seen an increase in major wildfire events, causing significant damage to our local wildlands and communities,” said Madison Killebrew, Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Wildfire Prevention Program Manager. “We always want to stay prepared and vigilant. That is why we host mock deployments, so volunteers can hone their skills and prepare for active deployments. Practicing now can help ensure we’re ready for a real Red-Flag wind event.”
Fire Watch operates through three core components:
- Education: Volunteers are trained by IRC and OCFA to share fire prevention tips with the public, such as eliminating wildfire hazards near homes, vegetation management, and avoiding risky activities like using fireworks or power tools during Red Flag Warnings.
- Early Reporting: Volunteers are strategically deployed to locations identified through fire spread research, historical ignition data and participant safety requirements. They are trained to report smoke or fire signs immediately, enhancing early response.
- Deterrence: By maintaining a visible presence in high-risk areas and monitoring live feeds from SCE Alert Wildfire Cameras, either from the Operations Center in Irvine or remotely, volunteers help deter suspicious activity and alert authorities to potential hazards.
As fire season intensifies, Orange County Fire Watch urges residents to stay vigilant and wildfire-ready. While volunteers are actively working to prevent and detect fires, community members play a vital role too. Residents are encouraged to report signs of wildfire immediately and stay informed during Red Flag Warnings. Knowing evacuation routes and having a clear emergency plan in place can make all the difference. These proactive steps not only keep local communities and wildlands safe, but they also support first responders to act swiftly and effectively.
To prepare for a wildfire event, visit OCFA.org/RSG. Orange County residents are also encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications on AlertOC.org. For more information about the Orange County Fire Watch program and how to volunteer, visit irconservancy.org.
###
Irvine Ranch Conservancy
Irvine Ranch Conservancy is a non-profit, non-advocacy organization created in 2005 to help
preserve and support the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, enhancing the public’s connection to the land while helping partners and landowners with all aspects of stewardship. The Conservancy offers a variety of free, guided outdoor activities for all nature enthusiasts, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and much more. For more information, visit www.letsgooutside.org.
Voice of OC posts press releases to provide readers with information directly from organizations. We do not edit or rewrite press releases, and encourage readers to contact the originator of a given release for more information.
To submit a press release email pressreleases@voiceofoc.org.