OUR HISTORY
We are here to serve you. In 2025, the Orange County Fire Authority celebrated 30 years since making its debut in 1995. During this special occasion, we would like to take this opportunity to reflect thoughtfully on the last quarter century, while boldly rising to the challenges of our present and future. Our department is dedicated to making Orange County a safer place to live, work and play. Our rich history has helped us become who we are today. We are continually working to ensure that our training, equipment and facilities meet the changing needs of the citizens and communities we serve. Our strength as an organization is based on the unwavering commitment to excellence held by the men and women of your fire department. Thank you for allowing us to serve you over these many years.
OCFA’s 25th Anniversary Retrospect
OCFA’s 30th Anniversary Retrospect
30th Anniversary Timeline Book
“The Beginning
An organizational meeting is held at 180 South Water Street, Orange, to establish a Joint Powers Authority that will guide the future Orange County Fire Authority.”
“The inaugural meeting of the Orange County Fire Authority Board (established among 18 cities and the county) is held at the Irvine City Council Chambers; Board Chair Thomas Wilson presides.”
“Larry Holms is named OCFA’s first fire chief.”
“OCFA sends California Task Force 5 members to assist with recovery efforts following the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19.”
“Westminster becomes OCFA’s 19th member-city.”
“Fire Station 6 opens in Irvine.”
“OCFA’s Executive Committee officially recognizes the Pipe and Drum Corps. The Corps performs at OCFA functions, member-city events, and during local, state and national memorial services.”
“Chip Prather is named OCFA’s second fire chief.”
“OCFA’s Executive Committee recognizes the formation of the OCFA Honor Guard. The Honor Guard presents colors at all formal OCFA events and travels to annual state events in Sacramento and the national fallen firefighter ceremonies in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and Colorado Springs, Colorado.”
“A 5 million gallon water reservoir in the city of Westminster fails, sending a wall of water and concrete cascading into Fire Station 65 and an adjacent condominium complex. Several on-duty firefighters sustain injuries and the water causes thousands of dollars in damage. Six people are injured, and more than 30 people are rendered temporarily homeless. Incredibly, no lives are lost.”
“An arsonist is caught on video setting fire to a massage center in Laguna Hills. Seventy-five firefighters are called into action, and the damage is estimated at $1 million”
“ Laguna Woods becomes OCFA 20th member-city.”
“Rancho Santa Margarita becomes OCFA’s 21st member-city.”
“Fire Station 47 opens in Irvine.”
“Aliso Viejo becomes OCFA’s 22nd member city.”
“Following the September 11 terrorist attacks, OCFA sends dozens of firefighters to assist in recovery efforts at Ground Zero.”
“Ground breaking ceremonies are held for OCFA’s $50 million, 20-acre campus. The facility will eventually be called the OCFA Regional Fire Operations and Training Center.”
“OCFA crews, including the Urban Search & Rescue Team, respond to a head-on collision between a southbound Metrolink commuter train and a northbound Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight hauler. Two passengers are killed and hundreds are injured.”
“OCFA supports efforts by neighboring agencies to fight a siege of fires that burn from October 21 through November 4. OCFA sends 35 engines in support of the firefighting efforts throughout Southern California.”
“OCFA’s WEFIT, (Wellness and Fitness Program), is created to promote injury prevention and employee health and wellness. The collaborative effort, between OCFA and Local 3631, provides employees with access to health and lifestyle information, routine or trainer-led workouts, and specific programs to build strength, flexibility, and fitness.”
“The Regional Fire Operations and Training Center (RFOTC) opens, consolidating Executive Management and all OCFA administrative functions within a single location.”
“OCFA sends members of California Task Force 5 to support Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts.”
“Fire Station 51 opens in Irvine.”
“A fire breaks out at Sierra Peak in the Cleveland National Forest. The fire is contained six days later with more than 10,000 acres burned and eight firefighters injured.”
“Fire Station 27 opens in Irvine.”
“On October 21, one of the most significant Orange County wildland fires in more than 30 years ignites. The arson-caused fire burns near Santiago Canyon Road and Silverado Canyon Road, east of Irvine Lake. Driven by extreme Santa Ana winds in excess of 50 mph, combined with low humidity and long-range spotting of embers, the fire spreads three miles in less than 20 minutes. It lasts for 19 days, burns 28,517 acres, and destroys 42 structures (14 homes, four commercial buildings, and 24 out buildings). Another 14 structures (eight homes, three commercial buildings, and three out buildings) are damaged before the fire is contained on November 8.”
“Member-cities approve a 20-year contract to run from 2010-2030 under the Joint Powers Agreement.”
“Fire Station 55 opens in Irvine.”
“On November 15, the Corona Fire Department receives an initial report of a vegetation fire at the westbound 91 Freeway and Green River. Within minutes, OCFA receives similar reports at its Emergency Command Center. Driven by high temperatures, eight percent humidity, Santa Ana winds in excess of 60 mph, and long-range ember spotting, the Freeway Complex Fire results in the greatest loss of Orange County homes since the 1993 Laguna Beach Fire. More than 381 homes, commercial structures, and out buildings are damaged or destroyed. Six cities in four counties are impacted within the fire’s 30,000-acre path before it is contained on November 19.”
“OCFA purchases two Bell 412 helicopters equipped with water tanks, snorkels, rescue hoists, and night vision capacity. The helicopters improve response capabilities in wildland firefighting and remote rescues.”
“Keitch Richter is names OCFA’s third fire chief.”
“OCFA responds to numerous emergencies following heavy rains, mudslides, and debris flows. This prompts evacuations in Silverado, Modjeska, Dove, and Williams Canyons, as well as parts of San Juan Capistrano. Five homes in Dove Canyon sustain severe damage during the mudslides and several homes in Silverado Canyon and Williams Canyon are also damaged.”
“OCFA implements fiscal measures to reduce costs and sustain service levels during what comes to be known as the Great Recession, one of the most devastating economic downturns since the Great Depression. Despite severely curtailed revenue, OCFA avoids layoffs and keeps all stations open.”
“On the day marking the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, OCFA pays tribute to those who lost their lives in 2001.”
“Santa Ana becomes OCFA’s 23rd member-city.”
“Following after-action report recommendations from the Santiago and Freeway Fires, OCFA and partner agencies successfully conduct Orange County’s first-ever community evacuation drill. More than 1,000 households from the wildland urban interface neighborhoods of Cowan Heights and Lemon Heights participate.”
“OCFA reaches a milestone when the TriTech Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system is brought on line. More than one million addresses and 160,000 street segments are incorporated into the CAD, a geographic information system that will improve location accuracy and reduce response times.”
“Jeff Bowman is named OCFA’s fourth fire chief.”
“OCFA, along with outside agencies, battles a 230-acre brush fire at the 241 Toll Road and the Santiago Canyon Road Exit.”
“Fire Station 56 opens in Ladera Ranch.”
“An electrical issue in a bait shop near the abandoned Ruby’s restaurant results in a fire on the Seal Beach Pier. 70 firefighters and eight fire boats from OCFA and neighboring deparments are able to suppress the blaze, though the pier is left damanged and is not reoponed for three years.”
“At 2 pm, the Knott’s Berry Farm Sky Cabin ride becomes stuck, leaving 21 people trapped 125 feet above the ground. OCFA’s Urban Search & Rescue team is called in and utilizes a combition of fire truck aerial ladders and repelling techniques to harness the passengers and bring them down one by one in a rescue that lasts over two hours.”
“OCFA Fire Station 61 in Buena Park suffers a devastating fire. While no one is hurt, the building itself and four vehicles, including the 100-foot aerial ladder truck are lost. The fire, which is believed to have started due to electrical parts in one of the vehicles igniting , lasts from 3 am until 2 pm the following day, when the final hotspots are put out. 60 firefighters from multiple agencies battle the blaze, first from aerial hoses and then from inside the aging fire station. A new fire station had already been in the planning phase beefore the fire occured.”
“OCFA sends members of California Task Force 5 to support Hurricane Harvey rescue and recovery efforts.”
“Patrick McIntosh is named OCFA’s interim fire chief.”
“Canyon 1 Fire…”
“The Canyon 2 Fire starts in the city of Anaheim when an ember is blown from inside the fireline of the Canyon 1 Fire into surrounding brush. Shifting winds and low humidity enable the fire to spread to parts of Orange, Tustin, and Corona. A united effort consisting of numerous fire and law enforcement agencies and city and county organizations is able to manage the incident, and no lives are lost. 1,600 firefighters battle the fire from the ground and various firefighting aircraft are utilized througout the event. The campaign lasts until October 17 and 9,217 acres burn, with 15 homes destroyed and another 45 damaged.”
“ OCFA sends members of Regional Task Force 10 to support the Montecito Mud and Debris Flow recovery efforts.”
“Brian Fennessy is named OCFA’s fifth fire chief.”
“Fire Station 61 opens in Buena Park.”
“Fire Station 20 opens in Irvine.”
“An act of arson in Holy Jim Canyon results in a month-long campaign to extinguish the Holy Fire. 23,136 acres burn in the Cleveland National Forest, affecting Orange and Riverside Counties.”
“OCFA sends members of California Task Force 5 to support Hurricane Florence rescue and recovery efforts.”
“Garden Grove becomes OCFA’s 24th member-city.”
“The global Coronavirus Pandemic reaches Orange County.”
“In the fall of 2020, the Santa Ana winds entered our region and increased the threat of wildland fire throughout Southern California. Due to anticipated extreme weather conditions, OCFA implemented additional staffing on Monday, October 26th. Just after 6:45am that day, a wildfire was reported near Santiago Canyon Road and Silverado Canyon Road, northeast of the City of Irvine. The Silverado Fire moved toward the Irvine communities of Orchard Hills, Northwood, and Portola Springs all morning before eventually shifting Foothill Ranch and Lake Forest. In the end, more than 12,000 acres burned, 90,000 residents were evacuated (including OCFA’s headquarters!), and two OCFA handcrew firefighters were severely burned.
As if that weren’t enough, a second major wildfire started in Yorba Linda around midday, immediately threatening homes. The Blue Ridge Fire would go on to burn 13,700 acres, and cause an additional 10,000 residents to evacuate.
October 26, 2020, was truly an unprecedented day in Orange County history.”
“The Bond Fire was a significant wildfire that erupted late at night on Wednesday, December 2 in the Silverado Canyon area after a structure fire spread into surrounding brush. It ultimately burned more than 6,500 areas before it was fully contained on Thursday, December 10. At the height of the fire, more than 25,000 residents were evacuated from Silverado, Modjeska, and Williams Canyons. The fire destroyed roughly 30 structures and damaged several others.”
“OCFA’s career firefighter academy program earns an official accreditation from California State Fire Training (SFT).”
“OCFA partners with Southern California Edison, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Ventura County Fire Department to spearhead the launch of Quick Reaction Force (QRF), the world’s first 24/7 full-nocturnal wildfire aerial task force led by the largest firefighting helicopters on the planet.”
“Residents feared the worst when a fire started in the hills above Laguna Beach in the early morning of Thursday, February 10. Firefighters were able to keep the Emerald Fire under 160 acres. No homes were damaged or destroyed.”
“HR introduces Longevity Health Screenings, preventative screenings for cardiovascular disease and cancer, available to OCFA professional and support staff.”
“The Coastal Fire ignited on May 11, 2022, in the vegetation near Aliso and Wood Canyon between Laguna Beach and Laguna Niguel. It grew rapidly due to dry brush and strong winds. While it only burned 200 acres, it destroyed 20 homes and damaged 11 additional structures. Despite the severe destruction of property, there were no civilian injuries or deaths.”
“OCFA receives nearly $17 million for a new Wildland Resource Center from the California State Senate.”
“Fire Station 67 opens in Rancho Mission Viejo.”
“Pax, OCFA’s first peer support canine, is put in service.”
“Incident Support Team (IST) members as well as Human Remains Detection (HRD) canines were deployed to Maui following the devastating Hawaii wildfires. They searched burned areas to locate humans remains to help identify missing persons. Personnel were deployed up to 21 days.”
“On August 23, 2023, OCFA responded to the Cook’s Corner Active Shooter Incident in Trabuco Canyon. While OC Sheriff Deputies worked to secure the scene, OCFA firefighters and paramedics attended to nine victims, triaging and transporting them to local hospitals.”
“OCFA responded to a fire at one of the iconic Tustin blimp hangars. The Hangar Fire engulfed the 17-story, 1,000-foot-long wooden structure, eventually destroying it. OCFA’s All-Hazards IMT worked for three weeks to mitigate the incident as well as restore safety to the surrounding communities.”
“Based on recommendations from the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center (OCIAC), OCFA implemented several enhanced security measures to strengthen campus safety and operational resilience.”
“ORION, Community Risk Reduction’s new record management system, goes live.”
“OCFA’s Air Operations received a major upgrade with the purchase of two brand new Sikorsky S-70m Firehawks. Purpose-built for firefighting, rescue, and emergency response, the Firehawk brought increased lift capacity, extended range, and advanced avionics to OCFA’s fleet. Its ability to carry over 1,000 gallons of water or retardant dramatically enhanced aerial firefighting effectiveness across Orange County’s diverse terrain. The aircraft also strengthened OCFA’s hoist rescue, EMS transport, and multi-mission response capabilities. Designed with firefighter and patient safety in mind, the Firehawk represents a modern, highly adaptable platform. The addition of these aircraft reflects OCFA’s continued commitment to innovation, operational readiness, and protecting the communities it serves.”
“In the early afternoon of Monday, September 9, 2024, a wildfire broke out in Trabuco Canyon near the Trabuco Flyers remote aircraft field. Named the Airport Fire, it would go on to burn more than 23,000 acres in Orange and Riverside County, destroying 160 structures and damaging over 30 more. While no one died in the blaze, OCFA was devastated when, while driving back to their station after working all day, one of their firefighter handcrew buggys swerved to avoid hitting debris in the road and flipped. Between the heroic work of the uninjured firefighters and an off-duty Orange City Fire Department Captain/Paramedic, all firefighters involved in the accident survived. Eight were transported to the hospital that night, and while four were discharged the next day, the others faced months if not years of recovery.”
“Category 4 Hurricane Helene caused widespread catastrophic damage in late September in southeastern United States. California Task Force 5 sent a Type 3 Task Force - 45 personnel as well as 4 canine teams - to South Carolina to assist in the search, rescue and recovery efforts. Task Force members rescued multiple people from flood waters and residents trapped in their homes.”
“As Hurricane Helene was winding down, Category 5 Hurricane Milton hit Florida. California Task Force 5 was reassigned, upgraded to a Type 1 Task Force, and increased to 80 team members. The Task Force staged in Georgia while most of their efforts took place in Florida.”
“OCFA assists in the response to a series of 14 destructive wildfires in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, including the Palisades & Eaton Fires.”
“OCFA updated their Standard of Coverage, which is an operational plan to up-staff the remaining 3-0 staffed fire engines to 4-0 personnel and provide additional units for operational depth through new positions and reconfigurations.”
“Fire Station 24 opens in Mission Viejo.”
“Timber, OCFA’s new accelerant detection canine, is put in service after Freedom retires.”
“Chief TJ McGovern assumed the role of Acting Fire Chief on January 3, 2026, and on January 22, the Board appointed him the Interim Fire Chief – a decision they reaffirmed with his contract approval on February 26, 2026.”