Wildfire Planning and Prevention Program

For decades, Rancho Mission Viejo, LLC has worked closely with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and the County of Orange to reduce the risk of wildfires by developing and implementing a multi-faceted Ranch Plan Fire Protection Program.

The program is based on sophisticated research and fire behavior modeling and takes into consideration everything from community design, working with national builders on home construction, landscaping, and land management to education and community engagement. This has allowed us to plan our communities within a natural environment of incredible beauty.

The Orange County Fire Authority has consistently been on the cutting edge of implementing fire safe building standards and proper maintenance practices designed to protect communities from a wildfire. A few examples are included below.

Community Design

• Fuel Modification Zones – Each Village at Rancho Mission Viejo is surrounded on all sides by fuel modification zones designed as a non-combustible buffer where a wildfire approaching a neighborhood will run out of fuel. The components of these zones include low combustion landscaping that is either thinned or irrigated and/or roadways or a flat area that also serves as defensible space for firefighters. The required width of each fuel modification zone is based on fire behavior modeling to understand the conditions specific to each Village. Fuel modification zones on The Ranch range from 110 to 170 feet.

• Common Area Landscaping– Extensive planning of the type and locations of all plant material for common area landscaping was intentionally and rigorously considered to help reduce the hazard to the community from an ember cast during a wildfire. Certain highly flammable plant species identified by OCFA as “Undesirable” are prohibited to be installed on The Ranch.

• Emergency Vehicle Access – The Rancho Mission Viejo community meets or exceeds emergency vehicle access and evacuation route standards.

• Infrastructure and Facilities – In concert with the OCFA, Rancho Mission Viejo works to ensure all the necessary facilities (i.e. fire stations) and equipment are in place to meet public safety needs. All community-related powerlines are underground and water for fire suppression is provided by the Santa Margarita Water District.

Home Construction by National Builders

• Working with national builders, homes on The Ranch are built to reduce the risk of fire and are constructed in compliance with building and fire code requirements for wildland interface. All homes have inside sprinklers installed, class-A fire rated roofs made with non-combustible coverings, as well as ember and fire-resistant vents and duel paned windows.

Residential Landscape

• There are stringent rules for the landscaping of private homes for all residents within The Ranch Plan. Palms, pines and eucalyptus are prohibited. Please refer to your Ranch Life resident portal to review the landscape guidelines.

Land Management

• Approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildfire, the plan includes fuel management practices such as prescribed fire burns, cattle grazing and removal of invasive plant species.

Education and Community Engagement

• Residents of The Ranch also access to the “RanchLife” resident portal, which houses various community resources regarding fire prevention efforts as well as details of upcoming “Community and Conversation” educational events.

• Fire Watch Training – The South Orange County Fire Watch volunteer training program provides an opportunity for residents on The Ranch to get involved by completing training to better understand basic fire behavior, identify signs of wildfire, deal with suspect behavior, provide useful fire information, and contact proper fire authorities.

OCFA, the OC Sheriff Department along with local emergency agencies are in charge of managing and directing civilian procedures in the unincorporated area of OC during large-scale emergencies (i.e. wildfire, earthquake, flood, etc.).

For more information, visit www.ocfa.org In case of emergency, dial 9-1-1.