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How the OCFA Responds to Your Emergency
Message from the Fire Chief
The Orange County Fire Authority is committed to helping the more than 1.68 million
residents we serve when they are faced with an emergency. We understand the confusion and difficulties people face following a
fire or medical emergency and we want you to know that we are here to help. Our goal is not only to put out fires and provide
medical assistance to our residents, but to help them get back on their feet after their emergency. There are a number of helpful
resources available to you to help ease the pain and anxiety you feel following an emergency. Some of those are listed in this
brochure. If you have any questions about how your emergency was handled, please feel free to contact the OCFA Clerk of the
Authority at (714) 573-6040 and we will be glad to answer any questions you might have.
Keith Richter
Fire Chief
Fires
The OCFA responds to all types of fire emergencies, including house fires, car fires, vegetation fires, commercial,
and industrial fires. The Authority sends a predesignated number of pumpers (fire engines), ladder trucks, paramedics, and chief officers
to each type of call. The number of firefighters and amount of equipment sent is based on our knowledge of how to safely and effectively
deal with each type of fire, including extinguishing the fire, rescuing endangered occupants, protecting other property, and doing all
of this in a way that is safe for our personnel and the public. Because the behavior of fires can be unpredictable we always ensure that
we have enough firefighters ready for unexpected problems. When the officer in charge is sure that the fire or situation is under control,
the fire companies will be released to be available for other emergencies. The safety of our firefighters is paramount. During a structure fire you may see personnel dressed in protective clothing standing by and taking no action. These personnel have been designated as the rapid intervention crew. If a situation occurs where our firefighters become trapped or incapacitated inside the structure, the rapid intervention crew would be deployed.
Medical Emergencies
The standard OCFA response to a medical emergency is a paramedic engine or a paramedic van, accompanied by an engine. Your safety and well being is the reason we assign an extra unit to these calls. Medical emergencies often require more than two or three firefighters and we want to make sure we have all the equipment and personnel necessary to take care of your situation.
Commercial Ambulance Transportation to Hospitals
If your medical emergency requires you to be transported to a hospital, a commercial (private) ambulance company will be utilized for this purpose. There is a charge if you are transported to a hospital in a commercial ambulance. The OCFA does not staff ambulances. However, our paramedic vans are often mistaken for ambulances. The Cities of San Clemente and Westminster provide ambulance transportation services and patients are billed for this service.
Hospital Destinations
Patients whose medical emergency requires further evaluation/treatment at a hospital are normally transported to the hospital of their choice. However, depending on the medical status of the patient, the closest hospital or appropriate medical facility (rather than the desired hospital) is utilized. If the patient's status deteriorates while enroute to the hospital in the ambulance, the hospital destination may change. The OCFA apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause you. Your health and well-being are our priority.
Fees/Charges
You will not be charged for an emergency call, however the OCFA does charge for a service call, such as removing water from your home with a water vacuum. The cities of Buena Park, San Clemente, and Westminster also charge paramedic fees.
Customer Satisfaction Surveys
The OCFA takes great pride in the service we provide to you and the community. We are constantly seeking ways to improve service to our customers.
Incident Reports
You may receive a copy of the report of your incident by contacting the OCFA Clerk of the Authority at (714) 573-6040 between the hours of 8:00 to 12:00 and from 1:00 to 5:00, Monday to Friday. There is a nominal fee for this service.
About The OCFAThe Orange County Fire Authority was formed March 1, 1995, and is governed by a 25-member
Board of Directors, comprised of representatives from the 23 cities it protects and the Orange County Board of Supervisors. Known as the
Orange County Fire Department from 1980 to 1995, the OCFA is one of the largest regional fire service organizations in California. The
OCFA serves a population of over 1.68 million in an area of 575 square miles including over 175,000 acres of wildland. The cities and
unincorporated areas that the OCFA protects are served by 71 fire stations located throughout Orange County. For additional information
about the OCFA, please contact the Community Relations and Education Services Section at (714) 573-6200.
Proudly serving the
citizens of:
Aliso Viejo, Buena Park, County of Orange, Cypress, Dana Point, Irvine, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods,
Lake Forest, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo, Placentia, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach,
Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, and Yorba Linda
Receiving HelpAmerican Red Cross
(714) 835-5381. They can help you find free temporary shelter if your home is not livable following a fire, flood, or earthquake. The Red Cross may also supply food, medical supplies, mental health care, and replace furniture that was damaged during your emergency.
Trauma Intervention Program (TIP)
(949) 707-9016. This group provides emotional support and guidance following a tragedy. This program is available to residents of Central and South Orange County cities.
Crisis Assistance Program (CAP)
(949) 588-9955. This group provides emotional support and guidance to anyone who has suffered a trauma. This program serves the Cities of Irvine and Laguna Woods.
OCFA Chaplain Program
(714) 573-6050. Chaplains are available for those who suffer a personal loss during an emergency incident. Fire personnel will summon a Chaplain to the scene of an incident if they feel it is necessary.
Disaster Recovery Handbook
These books are carried on all OCFA Engines and Trucks and will be given to you if your residence suffers damage during a fire, flood, or earthquake. These books contain information on how to deal with the psychological aspects of a disaster, financial aid, insurance policies, and restoration of property. If you did not receive a Disaster Recovery Handbook and would like one, please call (714) 573-6200.
Orange County Fire Authority
1 Fire Authority Road
Irvine, CA 92602
(714)-573-6000
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