Orange County Fire Watch Volunteers Keep A Watch For Smoke, Arson

MISSION VIEJO, CA — As the heat is on, and all eyes are watching the Orange County hillsides. None more than the Orange County Fire Watch Network volunteers.

The Fire Watch volunteers are a dedicated group specially trained to deter arson activity, ensure early fire detection and provide public education about fire danger. Fire Watch volunteers are not trained as firefighters, but provide an important component to prevent destructive wildfires, according to an Orange County Parks spokesperson..

The Orange County Fire Watch network is deployed during Red Flag conditions when there is a high fire risk.

Red Flag Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service during periods of high temperature, low humidity and high winds. Fire Watch volunteers are deployed to high visibility areas posts where ignition sources are likely, and are widely distributed near wilderness open spaces throughout the OC Parks system. Posts are typically covered by two volunteers in four hour shifts.

Are you eligible to be a Fire Watcher?

Eligiblity

Orange County Fire Watch volunteers must complete all requirements of an OC Parks Volunteers , including the background check and core training classes. After initial training, Orange County Fire Watch Volunteers will receive training on:

• History of wildland fires in Orange County
• Wilderness fire behavior
• Safety procedures
• Recognizing and reporting dangerous situations

Orange County Fire Watch volunteers can be expected to deploy during Red Flag Warnings, dependent on seasonal conditions.

More information about volunteering with the Orange County Fire Watch network, email Tony Pointer at tpointer@irconservancy.org.