Category: Fire Watch

IRC Staff Spotlight: Tony Pointer, Fire Watch Manager

7/16/2020

Tony Pointer, Fire Watch Manager

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.

Orange County Fire Watch Recognized by Orange County Board of Supervisors

12/11/2019

OC Fire Watch manager and volunteers honored by OC Board of Supervisors

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.”

Be Wildfire-Ready This Fall with Wildfire Preparedness Tips from Irvine Ranch Conservancy

10/4/2019

Orange County Fire Watch volunteers

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.

Protecting the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks with Orange County Fire Watch

7/31/2019

A Fire Watch volunteer

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.

Celebrate California Wildfire Awareness Week with the 2019 Fire Watch Symposium

4/25/2019

A Fire Watch Volunteer

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.

Thankful for the Outdoors (and our Volunteers!)

11/15/2018

Show thanks by participating in activities that help buffer wildfires and promote natural habitat

Thanks in large part to our dedicated volunteers we are able to enjoy the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and retreat to its mountains, renew ourselves on its trails and learn from its geological formations, animals and wildlife. We are always grateful for our volunteers, but even more so as we think of all their efforts throughout the year that help in ways big and small to ensure our rich biodiversity is protected and nurtured for years to come. These efforts include removing invasive non-native plants and harvesting native wildflower seeds that grow into plants like California Buckwheat and Sagebrush that form the foundation for a healthy coastal sage scrub ecosystem.

Restoration Projects and Orange County Fire Watch Help Protect the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

10/17/2018

Fire Watch volunteers

A year after the Canyon Fire and Canyon Fire 2, restorative and preventative efforts move forward on the open spaces

The fall season is in full swing and with it comes a change in weather and winds. October marks the one-year anniversaries of the Canyon Fire and Canyon Fire 2, and Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff, partners, and the Orange County Fire Watch Program are working with OC Parks to continuously implement programming to help restore and protect the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Nearly 40,000 acres of open spaces are home to wildlife and various rare and native species, and the work of staff and volunteers is incredibly important during the Santa Ana wind season and year-round.

The 2017 canyon fires affected Weir Canyon, Blind Canyon, parts of Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve and beyond, with assessment restoration efforts starting almost immediately after the fires were contained. All habitat types including coastal sage scrub, chaparral, grassland, oak woodlands, and riparian were affected by the fires, and most areas are showing signs of improvement and are expected to recover.

Only You Can Prevent Wildfires

8/2/2018

Orange County Fire Watch Program seeks to prevent wildfires by being vigilant, careful and ready

We may not be able to predict or prevent earthquakes in Southern California, but low humidity levels and high winds are a clear sign of a potential natural disaster that we are able to predict: wildfires. High temperatures and a large volume of dry vegetation have brought on an earlier fire season in Southern California, which increases the need for volunteers to join the Orange County Fire Watch Program. Nature lovers can join the Fire Watch Program and help prevent wildfires this season and beyond.

Landmarks Focus: Canyon 2 Fire Update

6/28/2018

Mule Deer in Weir Canyon after the Canyon 2 Fire

On October 9, 2017, a fire broke out in the area around Gypsum Canyon Road near the 91 Freeway. It quickly spread, burning thousands of acres within the northern portion of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, including all of Weir and Blind Canyons, and portions of Fremont Canyon. While much of the wildlife in the area was quick to recover, loss of habitat remains an issue. The fire burned through numerous patches of prickly pear cactus, key habitat for the endangered Cactus Wren. Oak woodlands were also impacted, although many of the larger more mature oak trees were able to survive. However, recovery efforts are underway, and there is strong reason to believe that with time the area will recover.

“Most of the oak trees started showing signs of new growth soon after the fire, and much of the ground vegetation is back,” said Irvine Ranch Conservancy Project Manager Nathan Gregory, Ph. D. “It could take a few years for the shrub coverage to return to its status before the fire, and decades for oak trees to grow.”

Fire Watch Hosts Symposium to Educate the Local Community About Wildfire Prevention

5/11/2018

Participants at the Fire Watch Symposium

National Weather Service, Orange County Fire Authority, OC Parks, and Irvine Ranch Conservancy unite for informational public event

Strategically hosted on Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, May 5, Irvine Ranch Conservancy and the Orange County Fire Watch program hosted the 2018 Fire Watch Symposium. During the program, symposium partners including the Orange County Fire Authority, National Weather Service, and OC Parks came together to share presentations with Fire Watch volunteers and the local community to raise awareness for wildfires and wildfire prevention.

Orange County Fire Watch Program Initiates Largest Deployment in 3 Years

11/9/2017

Check out our Q&A with Orange County Fire Watch Program Coordinator, Tony Pointer for updates and info on fire prevention across the lands.

Southern California is home to a Mediterranean climate that produces warm temperatures nearly year-round. While most Orange County residents enjoy the sunny weather, fire risk is a reality on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and throughout the county. The recent Canyon Fires have been contained, and in the wake of more high winds, low humidity, dry air and charred vegetation, it’s extremely important to stay vigilant in terms of fire prevention.

Orange County Fire Watch recently initiated the largest Fire Watch deployment in three years that strategically placed volunteers in fire-prone locations from the mountains to the sea. Tony Pointer, Orange County Fire Watch Program Coordinator, oversaw the impactful efforts, which included three different deployments in October, and deployed over 130 Fire Watch volunteers. Keep reading to learn why the deployments occurred, what weather zones were affected, and how Fire Watch continues to be the eyes and ears of the Landmarks.

What the Near-Record Rains Means for Wildfire Season

7/5/2017

More rain does not necessarily mean fewer fires on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

There’s more water in local reservoirs, streams, and vernal pools across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks than there has been in years, but that doesn’t mean the wildlands are out of the woods when it comes to potential fire danger. Thanks in part to the rain, nonnative grasses and weeds such as Sahara mustard have sprouted taller and denser than previous years. And as the weather heats up, that vegetation could quickly dry out and become fodder to fuel wildfires.

Here we ask Tony Pointer, Fire Watch Coordinator at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, his views on the upcoming fire season:

Don’t Miss the Orange County Fire Watch Symposium June 27!

6/23/2017

Fire Watch volunteers keep a vigilant eye on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Learn about the upcoming wildfire season with presentations from the National Weather Service, Orange County Fire Authority, OC Parks and Irvine Ranch Conservancy.

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to thousands of acres of wildlands across Orange County. The recent rains caused great growth throughout the open spaces, but as temperatures rise and grasslands and Chaparral areas dry out, the risk of ignition greatly increases. Join Orange County Fire Watch at the 2017 Fire Watch Symposium to learn more about the impending fire season, how to prevent wildfires, and for more information on volunteering for the Fire Watch program. The symposium kicks off at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27 and will include a variety of guest speakers and refreshments at the Quail Hill Community Center in the City of Irvine.

Fighting Increased Fire Danger with Increased Vigilance

7/4/2014

New Fire Watch program seeks to help curb wildfire during record dry spell in California.

Over the last 12 months, Orange County has seen less than half of the normal monthly rainfall. In May of this year, we received less than 5% of normal precipitation, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Extreme drought conditions are expected to persist or intensify through the summer. These conditions have brought an earlier “fire season” to Southern California, with local fire watch groups deploying in January, March, April and May of this year.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center indicates a higher probability of warmer-than-normal conditions in Southern California through August, and above-normal wildland fire potential is predicted by the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). In these conditions, watching out for suspicious or irresponsible activity becomes even more critical. Several groups — including Fire Safe Council of East Orange County Canyons, Great Laguna Coast Fire Safe Council and Rancho Mission Viejo Land Stewards — organize and deploy fire watch volunteers during Red Flag Warnings issued by NWS to help prevent wildfire. The largest of these groups is now the Orange County Fire Watch program.

How Roadside Ignitions Threaten our Wildlands

8/29/2013

Whether intentional or accidental, roadside fires are the leading cause of local wildfires.

If you take your car in for a tune-up today, you could be preventing a wildfire tomorrow. At least one California wildfire was caused by a roadside ignition over the summer, and most of the major wildfires in Orange County have been started at the side of a road.

According to Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), broken catalytic converters and dragging tow chains are the most common causes of these roadside ignitions, aside from the wildfires caused by arson. And as the Santa Ana Wind season picks up, a tiny spark from a low-hanging chain can set off a devastating blaze.

What a Red Flag Warning Means to You

5/2/2013

You can help prevent wildfires by being vigilant, careful and ready during Red Flag weather.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning across Southern California, something that people in Orange County may be used to. But do you know what to do during a Red Flag Warning?

A Red Flag Warning is issued when fire weather forecasters determine that certain factors for high fire risk occur. These factors usually include high winds, warm weather, low humidity and dry vegetation. Since there is little chance of lightning in Orange County, most wildfires are human-caused, either accidentally or by arson. To help watch for suspicious or careless activity and fire starts, organizations such as Irvine Ranch Conservancy and OC Parks deploy Fire Watch programs. These programs include trained volunteers, and the program is supported by Orange County Fire Authority.

Fire Watch Deployment in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

10/26/2012

We can't predict earthquakes, but in Southern California high winds and low humidity are a clear indication of another potential disaster: wildfire. With gusts of more than 60 mph expected through Saturday, winds can rapidly turn a spark into a fast-moving wildfire.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy has deployed Fire Watch volunteers to strategic locations throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, and cancelled scheduled activities through Saturday. Suspending programs is a precaution, so visitors are not in danger if a wildfire should start. For instance, the 2007 Santiago Fire started near the Augustine Staging Area in Limestone Canyon. Canceling public programs before the severe high winds during that time meant that no visitors were in the area when the fire started.

Preventing Fires Instead of Fighting Them

10/25/2012

Three things you can do to help prevent wildfires: be vigilant, be ready and be careful.

Smokey Bear is right: Only you can prevent wildfires. Even though most people think of wildfires as usually being started by arsonists, many wildfires in Southern California are caused by ordinary people. Either way, since humans cause these fires, we can also prevent them.

Without extreme wind conditions like during Red Flag Warnings, most fires are quickly contained as soon as they start. George Ewan, wildland fire defense planner for Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) estimates that 99% of the fires starting along roadsides, for example, are quickly contained with a minimum of damage and acreage burned. However, it's those few times when a spark is fanned by strong Santa Ana winds that cause the catastrophic wildfires that devastate wilderness habitats and nearby neighborhoods.