​A large part of our mission at Irvine Ranch Conservancy is to protect the diverse wildlands of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. From education to restoration to management, there are a number of different ways our staff strives to ensure the Landmarks continue to thrive. As the summer months dry out the native landscape, the chance of wildfire danger increases across the Landmarks. The Orange County Fire Watch program was created to help protect the Landmarks from catastrophic wildfires and fire danger through education, early reporting and deterrence.
 
At the helm of the Fire Watch program is Fire Watch Manager Tony Pointer. In partnership with OC Parks, City of Irvine, City of Newport Beach, and Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), Tony is responsible for the recruitment and training of Fire Watch volunteers, the deployment of volunteers during Red Flag Warnings, and Fire Watch participation in community engagements such as safety fairs, partner activities and presentations. Tony is also responsible for safety administration at Irvine Ranch Conservancy, which includes providing regular weather updates to staff, administering weather closures on the Landmarks, and facilitating safety trainings, documentation and communications for IRC staff. 

On Tuesday, December 10, Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett of the Orange County Board of Supervisors presented certificates of recognition to OC Fire Watch and exemplary Fire Watch volunteers. The Orange County Board of Supervisors recognized volunteers Rick Gaskins, Rocky Bruno, Joan Steiner and Ed Steiner for their dedication to Fire Watch activities and protecting the Orange County community from wildfire. These four volunteers have individually served over 300 hours of volunteer service to support their community during Red Flag Warning deployments.
 
“While these volunteers are not trained as firefighters, they provide an important component to prevent destructive wildfires,” said Chairwoman Bartlett. “OC Fire Watch volunteers have over 12,000 hours of volunteer service in support of their communities. I want to congratulate all of them for a job well done and thank you for your service to our communities.”

​As the fall season approaches and cooler temperatures set in, the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are the perfect destination for nature lovers. In Southern California, the seasonal change also brings increased risk of wildfire throughout the region, including the 40,000 acres of open space that make up Irvine Ranch.
 
With the lack of rainfall over the summer months, much of the open space vegetation has become extremely dry and susceptible to fire. Dry and hot Santa Ana winds during the fall months contribute to increased wildfire risk. Wildfires pose a serious threat in Orange County, making it essential for residents to help prevent wildfires from starting and stay prepared in case a wildfire occurs in their area.

​The summer season is often accompanied by scorching heat and dry plants, bringing increased risks of wildfires throughout Orange County. However, Irvine Ranch Conservancy, facilitated in partnership with OC Parks, City of Irvine, City of Newport Beach and the Orange County Fire Authority, takes tremendous efforts to protect the Irvine Ranch Open Space and Orange County Parks through the Orange County Fire Watch network.
 
Managed by Irvine Ranch Conservancy, Orange County Fire Watch is one of the largest volunteer fire watch programs in Southern California. The program is a vital resource that is designed to help reduce the rate of catastrophic wildfires through education, early reporting and deterrence. 

The Irvine Ranch Conservancy prepares for potential wildfires throughout Orange County all year long, ramping up planning and monitoring efforts as summer approaches. The heat of summer leaves many plants dry and vulnerable. In combination with strong Santa Ana winds, these dangerous conditions create a high fire risk each year.
 
By implementing the Orange County Fire Watch program, the Conservancy aims to reduce wildland fire ignition sources through highly trained volunteer groups. Working closely with Orange County Fire Authority and Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff, Fire Watch volunteers are trained on fire behavior education, public interaction and how to report fires. The Conservancy also manages Fire Watch volunteers and staff members who monitor the perimeters of high-risk areas to assist with early detection of ignitions and help prevent detrimental behavior that may result in wildfire.