Montecito Fire Team Recognitions & News

On Friday, February 6, Montecito Fire District Chief David Neels honored three fire fighter team personnel for their dedicated service. They are Division Chief of Operations Anthony Hudley for his five years of service with Montecito Fire, as well as Battalion Chief Shaun Davis and Captain-Assistant Fire Marshal Bob Galbraith, who both celebrated 15 years with the department.

Their families were present for the ceremony by Neels who said, “We are grateful to all the family members and loved ones who joined us to celebrate – none of our members’ achievements would be possible without the support they receive at home! Congratulations to all, and thank you for your commitment to our community!”

Additionally recognized with the traditional MFD brick ceremony is new Administrative Assistant Coral Godlis for completing her probationary period successfully. Neels explains, “The brick ceremony is noted in the entryway of Fire Station 91, where each employee has an engraved brick laid in the floor with their name and date of hire. It is a symbol of the significant accomplishment of passing probation and becoming a permanent part of our department’s foundation.”

17th Annual Neighborhood Chipping Program

The chipping has begun February 9 and will continue throughout the year. It is offered to 1,870 residents in Montecito’s Very High Fire Severity Zone. Reducing the volume of flammable vegetation creates more defensible and survivable space around a property and increases the entire community’s resiliency to wildfires. Postcards were mailed to Montecito residents with the dates pertinent to their neighborhood, and instructions. During the Neighborhood Chipping Program, fire department personnel will identify low-hanging tree branches and tag them for removal to prevent limbs from obstructing first responder access.

Residents are asked to stack cut vegetation on the curb to be chipped and hauled to a recycling center by our designated contractor, Frontcounty Tree Care Inc. Montecito Fire Department’s Wildland Fire Specialists are available to provide guidance to residents on optimal ways to trim back vegetation along driveways and roadways to create safer evacuation routes for the community and clear access for first responders. 

411: www.montecitofire.com/neighborhood-chipping-program