Orange County Firefighters Showcase Skills at Annual Training Event

KNX News reporter gets firsthand look at the physical and technical demands of the job

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:09pm

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KNX News reporter Nataly Tavidian participated in the Orange County Fire Authority's annual Fire Ops 2026 training event, which gives media and elected officials a chance to experience the challenges firefighters face on the job. Tavidian went through a series of hands-on exercises, including battling live fire, rappelling down a building, using the jaws of life, and performing roof ventilation with a chainsaw.

Why it matters

The Fire Ops training highlights the wide range of emergency situations that Orange County firefighters are prepared to handle, as well as the intense physical and technical skills required. The event also honors fallen firefighters like Kevin Skinner, underscoring the risks and responsibilities carried by the more than 1,200 firefighters serving the county.

The details

During the Fire Ops 2026 event in Irvine, participants moved through several stations that simulated real-life firefighting scenarios. They battled live fire, rappelled down a building, cut into a vehicle using the jaws of life, and performed ventilation on a roof with a chainsaw. The training showcased the coordination, precision, and physical demands required of firefighters, who respond to about 200,000 calls for service each year in Orange County.

  • The Fire Ops 2026 training event took place in Irvine, California.
  • The event was held in honor of fallen firefighter Kevin Skinner.

The players

Nataly Tavidian

A reporter for KNX News who participated in the Fire Ops 2026 training event.

Orange County Fire Authority

The fire department that organized the annual Fire Ops training event to give media and elected officials a firsthand look at the demands of firefighting.

Kevin Skinner

A fallen firefighter who was honored during the Fire Ops 2026 event, recognizing the risks firefighters face in the line of duty.

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What they’re saying

“I smile even when I'm terrified. This weekend pushed me in ways I didn't expect. Thank you to @ocfireauthority for inviting me to Fire Ops 2026. I got a small glimpse into the strength, skill, and courage it takes to be a firefighter.”

— Nataly Tavidian, KNX News Reporter

The takeaway

The Fire Ops 2026 training event provided a valuable opportunity for the public to better understand the extensive skills and responsibilities of Orange County firefighters, who put their lives on the line every day to protect their communities.