Newport Beach Fire Department
On the Frontlines with our Newport Beach Firefighters
This week we welcomed home our NBFD strike teams that went to Los Angeles to assist as soon as the fires broke out. I asked Battalion Chief and Strike Team Leader, Adam Novak to share a little about what they experienced in their harrowing days on the frontlines.
“When we first arrived at the Palisades Fire, the intensity and pace of the fire required us to stay awake and operational for three consecutive days to protect structures and prevent further loss. In the face of many challenges, we made a deliberate decision to focus on our mission to save lives, protect property, and care for the environment, rather than allowing distractions to hinder our efforts.”
What did a day in the life of fighting the Palisades Fire look like?
At an incident like the Palisades Fire, we operate on 24-hour shifts — 24 hours on the line followed by 24 hours off. On our off days, we stay in designated accommodations such as hotels, sleep trailers, or tents at base camp.
An average day begins around 4 a.m. We wake up early, pack up, and drive a couple of hours to base camp. Once there, we have breakfast, receive a general briefing from the command staff, and then break out into division-specific meetings. During this time, our crews prepare for the day, stocking up on ice, drinks, and food that will sustain us for the next 24 hours.
On the line, there is minimal sleep. Breaks are taken only as needed to hydrate, eat, or address immediate needs, but the work is relentless. In some cases, particularly during the initial attack phase, we might go without sleep for days. When we first arrived at the Palisades Fire, the intensity and pace of the fire required us to stay awake and operational for three consecutive days to protect structures and prevent further loss.
With all the finger-pointing and political posturing, are there any positive stories that you can share?
We made a deliberate decision to focus on our mission to save lives, protect property, and care for the environment, rather than allowing distractions to hinder our efforts. While there are undoubtedly sad and challenging stories from this incident, I believe it’s important to highlight the incredible acts of teamwork, support, and learning that have emerged.
“Firefighters from Fountain Valley, Orange City, Fullerton, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Anaheim worked seamlessly together, demonstrating how collaboration and shared expertise can achieve incredible outcomes.”
Teamwork and Camaraderie
One of the most remarkable aspects of this incident has been the global collaboration of resources. Teams from over half the U.S. states, Mexico, and Israel have come together to tackle this challenge.
On the morning of Day 3, one of our engines discovered an active structure fire threatening two adjacent homes. After assessing the situation, we devised a plan to protect the neighboring structures. Despite water supply issues that plagued us earlier in the incident, we strategically connected to three hydrants and used unorthodox wildland firefighting techniques including calculated interior attack. Over three hours of intense firefighting, we successfully contained the fire, saving the two homes with zero damage.
Firefighters from Fountain Valley, Orange City, Fullerton, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Anaheim worked seamlessly together, demonstrating how collaboration and shared expertise can achieve incredible outcomes.
With all that said, when reflecting on our mission, our greatest achievements are the lives and structures we were able to save. While we experienced significant losses in homes, we also succeeded in preserving a substantial number of them. To help boost morale, I made it a point to revisit and photograph the homes my crews had saved a couple days after we saved them. Afterward, I shared those pictures with them, giving them a tangible reminder of their efforts and the impact they made, especially since we often left a saved home not knowing if it would survive in the days to come.
Community Support
The overwhelming love and support from both local and home communities have been another bright spot. In Los Angeles, residents—both those who lost homes and those whose homes we saved—have expressed gratitude through signs, food, coffee, and heartfelt well-wishes.
Back home, the support from Fire Chief Boyles and the Newport Beach Fire Department Foundation has been instrumental. For instance, they provided Starlink systems to enhance our communication in areas with poor cell service. This capability has allowed us to access incident action plans, maps, and satellite images in real time, significantly improving our operational efficiency.
Beyond operations, Starlink has also been a lifeline for morale. Many of us have families, and being able to FaceTime loved ones during a high-stress incident has been vital for mental health and overall team spirit.
Gained Experience
The experience gained during this incident has been invaluable. Each strike team is composed of fire engines from different agencies, creating a unique opportunity for cross-agency learning. The knowledge and skills we’ve developed will directly enhance how we fight fires and mitigate disasters in our home communities.
The lessons learned here will make me a better chief officer and allow me to teach and mentor others in my department. I look forward to returning to Newport Beach and sharing this knowledge to improve our preparedness and response capabilities. The City of Newport Beach will undoubtedly benefit from the lessons learned and experiences gained during the Palisades Fire. The knowledge and skills our team has developed while working in such a dynamic and challenging environment will directly enhance our ability to protect lives, property, and the environment.
"For the citizens of Newport Beach, this serves as a timely reminder of the importance of wildfire preparedness...I encourage all residents to maintain defensible space around their homes, have an emergency plan in place, and stay informed about fire weather conditions."
After this experience, what do you want to tell the residents of Newport Beach?
The Palisades Fire was a stark reminder of the challenges we face as a fire service and a community living in Southern California’s fire-prone landscape. As a Battalion Chief with the Newport Beach Fire Department, I had the privilege of being part of the mutual aid response team for this incident. Seeing firsthand how rapidly a fire can spread in steep terrain and dry conditions reinforced the critical importance of preparation, adaptability, and teamwork.
For the citizens of Newport Beach, this serves as a timely reminder of the importance of wildfire preparedness. Even in our coastal city, wildfires remain a potential threat, especially in areas with open space or brush. I encourage all residents to maintain defensible space around their homes, have an emergency plan in place, and stay informed about fire weather conditions. The Palisades Fire demonstrated how quickly situations can escalate, making preparation and vigilance crucial. It is an incredible honor to serve as a Battalion Chief for the Newport Beach Fire Department and to serve the citizens of this community. Your safety and well-being are at the heart of everything we do, and together, we can ensure Newport Beach remains resilient and prepared for whatever challenges may come our way.
For individual assessments and guidance, Newport Beach Fire Prevention can be reached by phone, at (949) 644-3106 or by email; [email protected]. Residents are also encouraged to review the following guides, evacuation maps, and preparedness information.