Limited Time Offer. Become a Founder Member Now!

OCFA reports mutual‑aid response and a forward helipad; staff outlines wildfire‑mitigation planning

October 30, 2025 | San Clemente City, Orange County, California


This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »

OCFA reports mutual‑aid response and a forward helipad; staff outlines wildfire‑mitigation planning
Jeremy, an Orange County Fire Authority representative, reported to the committee on Oct. 28 that OCFA assisted Camp Pendleton on Aug. 21 with wildfire resources for a 500‑acre incident that threatened San Clemente.

"They have a 500 acre fire, brought it up right against San Clemente on a mutual threat zone," Jeremy said, noting OCFA deployed hand crews, engines, bulldozers and helicopters in multiple operational periods. He also described a temporary forward Black Hawk pad at Station 59 to shorten helicopter response times for southern Orange County.

City staff said they have prepared a citywide wildfire program and submitted an 8.5 million dollar FEMA grant application tied to broad mitigation work. Staff cautioned that, if awarded, the FEMA funds would not be available until mid‑ to late‑2027 because of multi‑stage review processes. In the meantime staff will pursue other, smaller interventions and continue public outreach on home hardening and vegetation management with HOAs.

Staff and OCFA representatives also reviewed evacuation notification procedures used during imminent threats: reverse 9‑1‑1, door‑to‑door knocks, Field Maps tracking to record household responses, specialized vehicle sirens and helicopter notifications.

Committee members asked about wildfire mapping, homeowner insurance impacts from new fire zones, and continued coordination with HOAs; staff underscored that wind‑driven fires and terrain are central drivers of large incidents and that mitigation planning must account for those factors.

No committee action was taken beyond directing staff to continue plan preparation and to bring prioritized items back for scheduling.

View full meeting

This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.

View full meeting

Sponsors

Proudly supported by sponsors who keep California articles free in 2025

Scribe from Workplace AI
Scribe from Workplace AI
Family Portal
Family Portal