Wildfire Safety: Be Prepared and Stay Informed in Orange County

With multiple fires occurring in Southern California at the moment, including the Airport Fire in South Orange County, Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) wants to remind everyone, whether directly impacted or not, about important wildfire safety measures. It is crucial for everyone in Orange County to play their part to mitigate and avoid wildfire danger.

First, are you wildfire ready? The Ready, Set, Go Initiative by the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is a program designed to help residents and communities prepare for wildfires. The initiative aims to increase community resilience and preparedness in the face of wildfires, ultimately helping to mitigate the impact of wildfires on residents and their properties. 

The initiative consists of three key components:

• “Ready” encourages residents to take proactive steps and prepare long before the threat of a wildfire. This includes creating defensible space around their homes, preparing an emergency supply kit and establishing a family evacuation or action plan.
• “Set” advises residents to pack their vehicle with emergency items and be prepared to evacuate promptly when wildfires approach. This includes staying updated on the latest information.
• “Go” stresses the importance of following your action plan and evacuating early in the event of a wildfire. This not only ensures the safety of your family but also allows firefighters to effectively combat the fire.

For accurate updates, reliable resources to follow include OCFA, OC Fire Home Page, Cal Fire and Watch Duty. 

By following these fire safety reminders, staying informed and knowing what to do when a fire is near, you can help protect yourself, your loved ones and your property in the event of a wildfire.

IRC collaborates with OCFA, OC Parks, the City of Irvine and the City of Newport Beach in running the Orange County Fire Watch program. This volunteer-driven initiative, overseen by IRC staff, aims to prevent catastrophic wildfires through education, early reporting and deterrence.