You’re driving down the 405 near Santa Ana and see a massive plume of black smoke billowing from the airfield. Your first thought? Plane crash. Or maybe a terminal fire. Honestly, that’s what most people think when they hear about a John Wayne Airport fire, but the reality is usually a lot less "disaster movie" and a lot more "government paperwork."
Actually, there is a huge naming confusion that still trips people up today in 2026. Back in late 2024, a massive wildfire broke out in Orange County. It was dubbed the "Airport Fire." But here’s the kicker: it didn't start at the airport. It started miles away in Trabuco Canyon near a remote-controlled airplane field. Because of that name, thousands of travelers panicked, thinking the runway was melting. It wasn't.
But that doesn't mean the airport itself is fire-proof. From actual small electrical blazes in the terminals to high-intensity training drills that look like a war zone, there is a lot going on behind those security fences that the average passenger never sees.
The Wildfire That Wasn't at the Airport
If you’re looking for info on the "Airport Fire," you’re likely thinking of the disaster that scorched over 23,000 acres across the Santa Ana Mountains. It was a mess. A public works crew was out there moving boulders to block off paths from off-roaders—ironically trying to prevent fires—when a spark from their heavy equipment hit the dry brush.
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Before they could even grab an extinguisher, the canyon was up in flames.
It destroyed 160 structures. It injured dozens of firefighters. And yet, for weeks, John Wayne Airport (SNA) had to constantly tell people, "No, we are not on fire. Yes, your flight is still on time." The smoke was thick enough to turn the sky orange, which didn't help the confusion. Even now, two years later, the county is still dealing with hundreds of millions of dollars in legal claims because of that one spark.
When Things Actually Catch Fire at SNA
Real fires at the actual airport are rare, but they happen. Usually, it's something boring but dangerous, like an overheated lithium-ion battery in a suitcase or a kitchen fire at one of the Terminal B restaurants.
The most "exciting" (and terrifying) thing you might see is the Live Fire Training.
If you happen to be at the airport this week—specifically mid-January 2026—you might see actual flames and black smoke coming from the southwest corner of the airfield. Don't call 911. The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is currently running mandatory FAA drills. They use a specialized prop that looks like a metal skeleton of a plane and douse it in fuel just to practice putting it out.
Why are they doing it right there on the grass? Well, the usual training center in San Bernardino had a massive equipment failure last year. So, the OCFA had to pivot and bring the "fire" to John Wayne. It looks real because the heat is real, but it's totally controlled.
The Hidden Heroes: Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF)
John Wayne Airport has its own specialized fire department. These aren't your neighborhood firefighters who cat-sit and check smoke detectors. These are ARFF crews.
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They have trucks that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie—massive, lime-green "Panthers" that can spray thousands of gallons of foam while moving. Their goal isn't just to put out a fire; it's to create a "survivable path" for passengers to get out of a plane in under 90 seconds.
Why John Wayne is a Unique Challenge
- The Short Runway: SNA has one of the shortest commercial runways in the country. Pilots have to slam on the brakes and use max reverse thrust. That creates incredible heat in the wheel wells.
- Brake Fires: It’s actually common for the ARFF crews to meet a plane at the gate because its brakes are literally glowing red and smoking.
- The Crane: Because there’s only one runway, a single "fender bender" can shut down the whole airport. The fire crew actually operates a 75-ton crane just to drag disabled planes off the asphalt so flights can resume.
What to Do If You See Smoke at the Airport
Look, if you're sitting at the gate and see smoke, 99% of the time it’s one of three things:
- Engine Start-up: Older planes sometimes cough out a puff of blue or grey smoke when the turbines kick over. Normal.
- Training Drills: As mentioned, if it's in a designated "burn pit" area far from the gates, it's a drill.
- The "Airport Fire" Legacy: If the hills in the distance are burning, it’s a wildfire.
If there is a real emergency, the airport’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) takes over. They don't just announce it over the speakers; they push alerts to every phone in the vicinity.
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Actionable Safety Steps for Travelers
It’s easy to feel helpless when you’re stuck in a metal tube, but you actually have a lot of control over fire safety at the airport.
First, check your tech. Lithium-ion batteries are the #1 cause of "real" fires inside the terminal and on planes. If your phone or power bank feels hot or looks swollen, tell a gate agent immediately. Never put spare lithium batteries in your checked luggage—if they catch fire in the cargo hold, the fire suppression system has a much harder time dealing with them than a flight attendant with a specialized fire bag.
Second, pay attention to the "Red Flag" days. If you live in the hills near the airport, have your "Go Bag" ready. The 2024 Airport Fire proved that a fire can go from half an acre to 5,000 acres in a single afternoon.
Lastly, bookmark the official OCFA and John Wayne Airport Twitter (X) feeds. When the smoke starts rising, the local news is often ten minutes behind the official social media updates. Knowing the difference between a training drill and a terminal evacuation can save you hours of unnecessary stress.
Next Steps for Safety:
Check the current FAA status for John Wayne Airport if you notice delays during high-wind events, and ensure all portable chargers are stored in your carry-on bag to comply with fire safety regulations.