FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2025
Alyssa Napuri – Deputy Chief of Staff
(657) 334-4930 (text preferred) | Alyssa.Napuri@ocgov.com
OC Supervisor Katrina Foley and Mayor Alex Rounaghi Applaud Decisive Action by Authorities to
Prevent Fire Spread in Aliso and Wood Canyons
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA – Thanks to swift action from community members and a quick and coordinated response by Laguna Beach Firefighters, Orange County Parks staff, Orange County Fire Authority, Orange County Sheriffs Department, and other local agencies, two potential wildfires near Aliso and Wood Canyons were quickly extinguished on Friday, January 10, 2025. Additionally, a small vegetation fire was halted by OCFA in the Mission Viejo area without damage to nearby homes.
“Orange County remains protected by the best public safety infrastructure in the country. The decisive and coordinated action from our fire and sheriff’s departments and OC Park Rangers protected our community from potential catastrophe,” said OC Supervisor Katrina Foley. “I encourage everyone in Orange County to stay vigilant, report any strange activity to authorities, and be prepared in case of emergency.”
“I’m grateful to the work of our firefighters in quickly extinguishing these fires. We must remain vigilant over the next few days and collaborate across government agencies to keep our residents safe,” said Laguna Beach Mayor Alex Rounaghi.
“This was a team effort that exemplifies how collaboration and quick action can prevent a potentially dangerous situation from escalating,” said Laguna Beach Fire Chief Niko King. “We are grateful for the proactive efforts of the jogger, OC Parks staff, and The Ranch employees, as well as the professionalism of all responding agencies.”
The first incident began Friday morning when a jogger noticed a smoldering 20x20-foot burn scar while running along a trail behind The Ranch in Laguna Beach. The jogger immediately contacted OC Parks, whose staff alerted a Ranch employee. The employee acted quickly, using a garden hose to extinguish the burn scar. The Laguna Beach Fire Department’s Engine 4 and Fire Investigators arrived on the scene quickly. There were no active flames and the area was secured. At approximately 9:25 AM, an OC Parks ranger arrived to assess the situation and contacted the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). The incident was handled swiftly, with Laguna Beach Firefighters conducting a thorough investigation to ensure there was no risk of rekindling.
Later in the day, another burned area was discovered on a back dirt road closer to Soka University. This site appeared to have been used as a warming fire the night before. Though the fire was burned out, hot coals remained in the base. OC Parks staff reported the incident, prompting a joint response with Laguna Beach Firefighters, OCFA, Orange County Sheriffs, and other local personnel. The fire was overhauled and extinguished without further incident.
Though Laguna Beach is no longer in a Red Flag warning and winds have also died down, Laguna Beach Fire Chief Niko King urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant and report any signs of fire immediately. “As we live in a high fire-risk area, every second counts in preventing wildfires. If you see any fire activity, please call 911 immediately,” he said.
This afternoon, the Orange County Sheriff’s office flew over the open space using Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) technology to monitor for any additional hot spots or people. OC Parks Rangers remain on Fire Watch and will continue to monitor the open space. The Laguna Beach Fire Department thanks all agencies and individuals involved in the prompt and effective response to these incidents.
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Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2022 to represent the newly established District 5, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, a large portion of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel. This is her second term on the Board of Supervisors, where she previously served District 2.
Supervisor Foley’s Board appointments include the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), Chair – OCFA Legislation & Public Affairs Committee, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), Vice Chair – OCTA Legislative and Communications Committee, Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA), TCA Joint Capital Improvements and Projects Committee, Coastal Greenbelt Authority, Newport Bay and South Orange County Watershed Executive Committees, Ocean Institute, San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Community Engagement Panel, Co-Chair – Spent Fuel Solutions Coalition, Chair – Orange County Housing Finance Trust, and the Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council.
