Positions to Open at Montecito Fire, and More Fire Updates

Montecito Fire Department (MFD) Chief Brian Fallon announced recently there are “expected openings” to work for Montecito Fire Protection District. The positions are for an entry-level Firefighter/EMT and for a Firefighter/Paramedic.

While recruitment will start in November 2026, this is a pre-recruitment announcement for interested applicants to get in shape and line up their skill set with the required qualifications as listed by MFD on their human resources website.

In sum, “Firefighters respond to structure and vegetation fires, emergency medical calls, rescues, and other emergencies to protect life, property, and the environment. Typical duties include fire suppression, emergency medical care (Basic Life Support for EMTs, Advanced Life Support for paramedics), rescue operations, equipment and apparatus operation and maintenance, training and drills, fire prevention and public education, and other duties as assigned. Firefighters work a 48/96 shift schedule and must be able to perform effectively in high-stress, physically demanding environments.”

Expected Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent; California State Firefighter I Certificate or completion of a California State Fire Marshal-accredited Firefighter I academy (or eligible for reciprocity); Current CPR/AED healthcare provider certification; Valid California driver’s license, and must meet all legal, background, medical, and psychological standards for employment.

For Firefighter/EMT: California EMT certification (or NREMT with CA reciprocity).

For Firefighter/Paramedic: California Paramedic license (or eligible for CA accreditation).

Key Application Requirements: Current CPAT or Biddle certification dated within 12 months of application opening date; and placement on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List with a written test score of 70% or higher dated within 12 months of the application opening date.

411: www.montecitofire.com/employment

MFPD Board of Directors Opening 

Per the application requirements to sit on the MFPD Board, “the applicant must reside within the boundaries of the Montecito Fire Protection District and be a registered voter of the District. The appointee must run in the General Elections in November 2026 to retain the appointed seat, and preference will be given to those willing to run.

Interested persons should submit a cover letter with a detailed résumé to the Montecito Fire Protection District at Station 91 no later than August 10 by 4 pm.

Interviews for the position will be conducted by the Board of Directors at a public meeting on August 24, 2026, at 2 pm.

411: Cover letters, resumes/statements of qualifications and requests for further information should be addressed to:

Brian Fallon, Fire Chief
Montecito Fire Protection District
595 San Ysidro Road
Montecito, CA 93108

Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District Updates

Carp-Summerland Fire Protection District Fire Chief Dan Stefano invites community to welcome home their Firefighter/Paramedics Justin Martin and Patrick Cockrum following their assignment to the Ferris Fire near Dove Creek, Colorado. As members of California Interagency Incident Management Team 7 (CIMT 7), Justin and Patrick supported wildfire operations alongside personnel from across the nation. Thank you both for your dedication, professionalism, and continued commitment to serving communities wherever you’re needed. Welcome home, Justin and Patrick!

Special thanks for the 37-year fire career of Firefight Engineer Dan Hagstrom as he retires from the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District. Starting with CAL FIRE in 1989, Hagstrom transferred to Carp-Summerland Fire October 2001. There he was promoted to Fire Engineer December 2008.

Stefano, “For the past 25 years, Dan has been a steady and trusted presence within our District. His calm demeanor, extensive experience, and willingness to share his knowledge have been an extraordinary gift to those around him. His professionalism and quiet example have helped shape and support the firefighters who have had the opportunity to work alongside him. Dan is a devoted husband to Patrice and a proud father of two sons. Engineer Hagstrom’s 37 years in the fire service represent a career built on integrity, professionalism, and service to others. His contributions to our agency will continue to be valued and remembered for years to come.”  

411: Follow on Instagram,

@carpsummerlandfire