Volunteer Spotlight: Orange County Fire Watch

Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) and its partners, OC Parks, City of Irvine, City of Newport Beach, and Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), are deeply grateful for the dedicated volunteers who help advance their shared mission of protecting Orange County’s natural landscapes. Preventing catastrophic wildfires is a huge part of that. 

Through education, early reporting and ignition deterrence, Orange County Fire Watch plays a vital role in safeguarding local wildlands and communities. The success of Orange County Fire Watch is made possible by the many volunteers who generously dedicate their time and expertise throughout the year. Their efforts help enhance public safety, support land management partners and reinforce a community-wide commitment to wildfire prevention. 

Catherine Andersen

How long have you been a volunteer, and what inspired you to join Fire Watch?

I have been a volunteer for over 10 years. I had just retired, and I was looking for a way to help my community, so I became a volunteer for OC Parks. When I heard about the Fire Watch program, it intrigued me that I could be a deterrent to help prevent fires, so I signed up.

Can you share a story from the field that really stuck with you?

In January 2025, when we had so many fires and I was on duty, I had many people honking their horns in appreciation. I even had one lady stop to give me water.

What would you tell someone considering joining Fire Watch?

It’s a great way to help and preserve your community. The more eyes we have watching, the more we can maybe prevent fires

Noma Bates

How long have you been a volunteer, and what inspired you to join Fire Watch?

I have been a volunteer approximately 8 or 9 years. I realized how fast fire can travel and saw people going on hikes ill-prepared: no proper shoes, water, or the 10 essentials on these high Red Flag Warning days.

Can you share a story from the field that really stuck with you?

I was manning a gate, and a person stopped by to tell me they saw smoke at the base of a tree in an area that had been burned days before. I was able to call for help through Fire Watch headquarters and get the fire department to respond. Help from just regular concerned people can really save the day.

What would you tell someone considering joining Fire Watch?

A little bit of your time can really be important in getting help to people that may become trapped. Some of the canyons in our county have small one-lane roads, and the warning can result in saved lives, livestock and homes.

Steve Geer

How long have you been a volunteer, and what inspired you to join Fire Watch?

I have volunteered for 5 years. After the last fire through Peter’s Canyon and Santiago Oaks, I decided the Fire Watch volunteer program was a great way to give back to the community and provide a personally rewarding service,

Can you share a story from the field that really stuck with you?

During a Red Flag Warning deployment, I was stationed along a road in an area that had experienced fire in previous years. I was amazed at how many motorists either stopped to thank me for being a Fire Watch volunteer or honked and waved as they drove by my location.  Several people even stopped to offer me water and asked if they could provide me something to eat. 

What would you tell someone considering joining Fire Watch?

Fire Watch is a rewarding way to give back to your community and can really make a meaningful difference.

Kavitha Kannan

How long have you been a volunteer, and what inspired you to join Fire Watch?

I have been a volunteer for 4 years. It seemed like an excellent way to learn about our ecosystem and wildfire prevention

Can you share a story from the field that really stuck with you?

It is always exciting to interact with the public and share information about Fire Watch. It feels good whenever a member of the public thanks you for being there on Red Flag Warning days.

What would you tell someone considering joining Fire Watch?

Join! All you need to give is 2 hours minimum in a year, and you can make a change.

Phil Sallaway

How long have you been a volunteer, and what inspired you to join Fire Watch?

I have volunteered for 3 years. I wanted to become a volunteer to support our firefighters and protect our parks.

Can you share a story from the field that really stuck with you?

The community support we get from locals, sheriffs and firefighters has really stuck with me. 

What would you tell someone considering joining Fire Watch?

It’s fun! You can choose your location and hours, and you get to meet people and share about our wilderness.

Helin Yan

How long have you been a volunteer, and what inspired you to join Fire Watch?

I have been a volunteer for 1 year. I love nature and want to protect the environment as much as possible.

Can you share a story from the field that really stuck with you?

Seeing vast stretches of giant trees destroyed by the 2022 wildfire near Big Basin Park was a truly shocking sight.

What would you tell someone considering joining Fire Watch?

Come with me! 

Orange County Fire Watch volunteers’ contributions support the long-term protection of these treasured landscapes and help ensure they remain safe and accessible for future generations. IRC and its partners extend their sincere appreciation to these volunteers for their continued service and dedication to protecting Orange County’s wildlands. Thank you for all that you do!