Fullerton Fire Department Chief Adam Loeser

Disasters and emergencies can strike at any time, making preparation essential for survival and recovery. Adam Loeser, Fire Chief for the Fullerton Fire Department, has seen firsthand how being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency.

One of the most striking examples of preparedness in action was a recent plane crash into a furniture manufacturing facility near the airport on January 2, 2025.

“At the time the incident occurred, it was two o’clock on a Thursday and inside that building were over 350 people working,” Loeser recalls.

When the plane crashed into the facility, a fire erupted and chaos unfolded, but because the business had a well-rehearsed evacuation plan, employees were able to exit quickly and safely.

“They executed their plan as practiced, including accounting for everyone who was working at that time and then were able to pass that information on to the fire department when they arrived,” Loeser explains.

“Their preparedness saved valuable time for first responders, allowing firefighters to focus on containing and extinguishing the fire instead of searching for missing people.

“By being prepared and having accountability, it reinforced the importance of practicing a plan and being able to execute that plan under the most stressful conditions.”

As a fire chief, Loeser ensures that his firefighters are always ready for any emergency.

“Whether it is a cardiac arrest, a car accident requiring an extrication with the jaws of life, or a house fire with people trapped … as an all-hazard, all-risk fire department, my firefighters need to know what to do in any scenario,” he says.
The only way they achieve this readiness is through training, equipment, and experience.

“They are resourceful and have a get-it-done attitude. Until the emergency is stabilized, they will find a solution to improve the situation.”

Loeser emphasizes that preparedness is just as important for individuals and families as it is for firefighters.

“The more people are prepared, the quicker their path to normalcy will be after a disaster,” he says.
He advises everyone to have a working smoke detector, 72 hours’ worth of emergency supplies, and important documents stored in a fireproof safe.

“All this preparation saves time in the long run. So when you’re trying to recover from whatever the emergency is, it should happen quicker because you were prepared.”

Emergencies can occur in an instant, but investing time in preparation can lead to a significant impact when disaster strikes. Whether it involves businesses practicing fire drills or families ensuring they have essential supplies, planning can make the difference between panic and a rapid recovery. Chief Loeser’s experiences highlight that readiness is not merely a precaution—it is a necessity for survival.

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