Montecito Fire Updates
With the recent Sandy Fire in Simi Valley, a section of Ventura County, our Montecito Fire Protection District (MFD) is lending support with MFD engine 391 and firefighters. They join the SB County local strike team 1521C, partnering with Lompoc City Fire Department, Santa Maria Fire Department, Santa Barbara City Fire Department, and Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District.
MFD asks that the public remain aware of and alert to the possibility of wildfires and familiarize themselves with their preparedness resources posted on the MFD website.
I spoke with Montecito Fire Captain Jeff Villarreal and members of the MFD team at Pavilions Grocery in the Montecito Country Mart, as at the time they were there picking up food supplies for the firefighters for the Memorial Day weekend, and I was doing my quick errands. Villarreal mentioned that [as of Thursday, May 21] reports are that containment of the Sandy Fire is still a priority.
While I do need to stop by the firehouse and properly meet our new Fire Chief, Brian Fallon, on May 18 he honored three MFD personnel for ten years of service. They are Engineer Nick Eubank, Engineer Andy Rupp, and Captain Daniel Arnold. Fire Chief Brian Fallon presented each with a 10-year pin that attaches to their badge.
Nick Eubank joined the Montecito Fire Department in 2016 after beginning his career in the film and music industry before making the transition into the fire service. Over the past decade, he has become an integral part of the department through his work on the Dispatch Cadre, Training Committee, and Hazmat Team, while also leading the department’s radio programming and communications planning efforts.
Andy Rupp joined Montecito Fire in 2016 as a firefighter/paramedic after serving with the Oxnard Fire Department in the community where he grew up. During his ten years with Montecito Fire, he has played a key role in the department through his involvement with the Dispatch Cadre, South Coast Hazmat Team, Urban Search & Rescue, Training Committee, and as leader of the department’s Peer Support Team.
Daniel Arnold came to the Montecito Fire Department in 2016 after careers in construction, engineering, and the Oxnard Fire Department, where he was promoted to engineer. Since joining Montecito Fire, he has applied his engineering background to committees including Safety, Training, and Apparatus, helping design and equip fire engines while also serving on the Dispatch Cadre and Peer Support Team.
With only a few days left in May, there is still time to donate to the Mothers’ Helpers Diaper Drive, with which MFD partners. Donate new packages of diapers and wipes at either Montecito Fire Station: Station 91: 595 San Ysidro Road, and Station 92: 2300 Sycamore Canyon Road.
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