Right now, if you’re looking out your window in Irvine or smelling smoke in Rancho Santa Margarita, you probably have one question: where is the orange county fire? It’s a question that puts a pit in your stomach. Honestly, in Southern California, we’ve basically been conditioned to expect the worst the moment the wind picks up or the grass turns that specific shade of brittle gold.
As of January 18, 2026, there are no major, out-of-control wildfires tearing through the canyons of Orange County. But that doesn't mean the "all clear" has been sounded for the season.
We are currently in a bit of a weird weather transition. While the massive scares of the last two years—like the Airport Fire that ripped through Trabuco Canyon—are technically "history," the scars they left on the landscape are still very much there. Today's fire risk is rated as high by local meteorological stations due to a stretch of dry weather, but we haven't seen a new ignition break into a major incident this morning.
Tracking the smoke: Why you might be smelling it
Even if there isn't a named blaze inside OC limits, you might still see haze. Southern California is a bowl. If there is a brush fire in the Inland Empire or even down toward San Diego, the Santa Ana winds—or the lack thereof—can trap that smoke right against the Santa Ana Mountains.
The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is currently monitoring a few small "spot" incidents. These are typically localized things: a car fire on the 91 that spread slightly into the grass, or a transformer pop. They don't always get a name like "The Canyon Fire," but they keep the crews busy.
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The ghost of the Airport Fire
You can't talk about where is the orange county fire without mentioning the Airport Fire. It started in Trabuco Canyon and eventually scorched over 23,000 acres, crossing into Riverside County.
That fire was a wake-up call because it was started by a public works crew. It wasn't even a lightning strike or a tossed cigarette. It was just bad luck and dry brush. Even now, in 2026, the county is still dealing with the legal fallout and the "burn scars."
Burn scars are dangerous. Why? Because when it does finally rain, that land doesn't have any roots to hold the dirt. You go from a fire emergency to a mudslide emergency in about ten seconds flat. Just last month, in late December 2025, evacuations were briefly triggered in the canyons not because of flames, but because of the fear of the hillside coming down.
Understanding the "High Risk" zones today
If you live in the "Wildland-Urban Interface"—basically anywhere where houses meet the high grass—you're always in the zone.
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- Trabuco and Silverado Canyons: These are the perennial hotspots. The narrow roads and thick brush make them a nightmare for evacuation.
- The Foothills (Tustin/Irvine): Huge stretches of open space behind these neighborhoods can turn into a furnace if a fire gets a head start.
- South County (San Juan Capistrano/San Clemente): The proximity to Camp Pendleton means that sometimes "fire" in the distance is actually controlled training, but it still keeps everyone on edge.
Kinda scary, right? But the OCFA is pretty world-class. They have those massive helitankers parked at the Fullerton and Los Alamitos bases ready to drop thousands of gallons of water within minutes of a 911 call.
How to check for live updates
Don't rely on a "vibe" or what someone posted on a Facebook group three hours ago. If you see smoke, here is how you find the actual "where":
- The Watch Duty App: Seriously, if you live in OC, you need this. It’s mostly volunteer-run but faster than the news. They listen to the scanners so you don't have to.
- OCFA Twitter (X): They are the official word. If it’s not on their feed, it’s probably a small kitchen fire or a false alarm.
- CAL FIRE Map: This gives you the big picture for the whole state. If a fire starts in the Cleveland National Forest, it’ll show up here as soon as a perimeter is established.
Why January is a "Sneaky" fire month
Most people think fire season ends in October. It doesn't.
We’re seeing "whiplash weather." We get a big dump of rain in early January, the grass grows, and then we get two weeks of 80-degree heat and offshore winds. That "new" grass dries out and becomes perfect kindling. It’s a cycle that’s getting harder to predict.
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The National Weather Service has been flagging these "Red Flag" days even in the middle of winter. The humidity drops to single digits, and suddenly, the whole county feels like a tinderbox.
Actionable steps for OC residents
Since there isn't a major fire currently threatening homes this hour, this is the time to actually do the boring stuff you’ve been putting off.
- Check your "Zone 0": This is the five feet immediately surrounding your house. If you have dead leaves in your gutters or a pile of firewood leaning against your siding, move it. Now.
- Sign up for AlertOC: This is the county’s mass notification system. It’ll call your cell phone if your specific block is under an evacuation order. It’s way better than waiting for a knock on the door.
- Pack a "Go Bag" for your pets: People always remember their own passports but forget that they need three days of dog food and a leash ready by the door.
- Review your insurance: After the Airport Fire, a lot of people realized their "smoke damage" coverage was basically non-existent. Check your policy before the next plume appears on the horizon.
Staying informed about where is the orange county fire is a full-time job for some, but for the rest of us, it’s about being ready so we don't have to panic. Keep an eye on the ridges, keep your gas tank at least half full, and stay safe.