The City, in partnership with Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez's office, hosted a Fire Prevention and Preparedness Event at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center in June. Presentations are available on the City's YouTube channel.
The event brought together local and regional experts to provide residents with essential resources, updates, and guidance on how to stay safe during fire season. Mayor Tony Beall opened the evening by welcoming attendees and emphasizing the importance of wildfire readiness. A series of speakers provided valuable information, including:
- OCFA Division Chief Cheyne Maule shared insights on home hardening and fire safety.
- Captain Dwayne Chapple, the City’s Chief of Police Services, discussed evacuation readiness and public safety.
- Brenda Caloca from the California Department of Insurance addressed current issues affecting the insurance market in California.
- Tara Campbell, Chief of Staff for Supervisor Don Wagner, gave an update on O’Neill Park and the surrounding canyon areas.
- Lieutenant Kyle Werner from Mission Viejo Animal Services provided essential tips on preparing pets for emergency evacuations.
Resource tables were available throughout the evening, featuring representatives from OCFA, OCSD Crime Prevention, OC Fire Watch, RSM CERT, Southern California Edison, BeFireSafe.org, Mission Viejo Animal Services, SAMLARC, the County of Orange, and more.
This 4th annual event was a successful collaboration dedicated to empowering the community with the tools and knowledge needed to stay prepared and protected during wildfire season. Stay tuned for information on our 2026 event!
City of Rancho Santa Margarita - YouTube