TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Jarad Hildenbrand, City Manager
FROM: Sean deMetropolis, Fire Chief
1. Subject
title
Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Orange and The Regents of the University of California, Scripps Institution of Oceanography for Fire Camera Network Expansion.
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2. Summary
The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a partnership between the City of Orange and The Regents of the University of California, Scripps Institution of Oceanography to install and operate fire cameras within the City of Orange, integrating them into a regional fire camera network to enhance wildfire monitoring and response capabilities for the period commencing upon execution and continuing until terminated by either party.
3. Recommended Action
recommendation
Approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Orange and The Regents of the University of California, Scripps Institution of Oceanography concerning the installation, operation, and maintenance of fire cameras effective upon execution; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City.
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4. Fiscal Impact
None.
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 1: Maintain Strong Emergency and Safety Services
Objective1.8: Improve Emergency Response Infrastructure
6. Discussion and Background
In 2025, the City of Orange initiated discussions with The Regents of the University of California, Scripps Institution of Oceanography (Scripps) to expand a regional fire camera network aimed at improving wildfire detection and response. Scripps, a leader in fire camera technology, has established similar networks across California in collaboration with public agencies and corporate entities. The proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizes a partnership to install additional fire cameras and related equipment in the City of Orange, integrating them into the existing network.
After several consultations, the parties reached agreement on the terms of the MOU, which outlines the following: Scripps will install, maintain, and update camera software and firmware within 60 days of release or upon the City’s request, provide unfettered access to camera recordings, and conduct workshops to train first responders, prioritizing access for the City, Sheriff, and CAL FIRE. The City will collaborate proactively with Scripps, comply with confidentiality and privacy laws, including protection of Personally Identifiable Information and Protected Health Information, and access records for auditing per the California Public Records Act. Camera footage will be publicly broadcast online, with recordings maintained by Scripps.
Both parties agree to indemnify each other for claims arising from negligent or intentional acts, with limited liability for fire-related damages unless caused by negligence or intentional camera operation. The MOU is governed by California law, with venue in Orange County.
This partnership enhances the City’s ability to monitor and respond to wildfire threats, providing critical real-time data to first responders. As a collaborative agreement with a public university entity, competitive bidding is not required.
7. ATTACHMENTS
• Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Orange and The Regents of the University of California, Scripps Institution of Oceanography