Tag archives: Fire Chief David Neels
On February 17, Montecito Fire Department placed a new Paramedic Squad unit into service to better serve our community. The new Squad 91 is housed at Station 91 at 595 San Ysidro Road. Squad 91 replaces a 13-year-old unit with more than 75,000 miles. It is staffed daily with two firefighters, including at least one […]
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 […]
Each year, our organization’s objectives are to offer a robust level of service within our community, provide regional cooperation, and maintain a focus on wildfire preparedness and organizational development within the Montecito Fire Department. Our personnel remain committed to protecting the community while adapting to evolving risks and operational changes. Throughout the year, Montecito Fire […]
The iconic rolling concrete architecture and inimitable art of Bruce Heavin’s Hill House set the scene for an “Evening of Appreciation” on December 3rd. One805 staff and supporters, along with Santa Barbara County’s first responders, met at the structural masterpiece for the organization’s official launching of a $10 million One805 Mental Wellness Endowment Fund, a […]
Knowing who to call in an emergency – or any situation where help is needed – can make a significant, and in some cases, lifesaving difference. In the event of an emergency or any need for a response from the Montecito Fire Department, EMS or law enforcement, please remember to dial 911 or send a […]
Montecito Fire District Chief Neels and his teams have kept busy with Fire Prevention Week visits to local schools and water-rescue training off Butterfly Beach. He is also reminding residents that it’s time to start preparing for the 2026 Neighborhood Chipping Program by clearing vegetation that could put homes or businesses at risk. The Carpinteria–Summerland […]
The Montecito Fire Department held a Wildfire Preparedness Community Meeting at Montecito Union School on June 26, less than a week before California’s largest fire of 2025 broke out in Santa Barbara County. Montecito Fire sent an engine and several specially trained personnel to assist with managing the Madre Fire near Cuyama. Evacuations spanned rural […]
This July 4th, San Ysidro Ranch invites guests to its “Fourth of July in the Gardens” celebration – a festive afternoon of elevated Americana. From 12 to 4 pm, enjoy live music, lawn games, and patriotic décor in the sun-drenched gardens. Indulge in a gourmet Santa Maria-style barbecue featuring Snake River Farms Wagyu tri-tip, Jidori […]
Despite the June gloom that is frequently obscuring our skies, the risk of wildfire looms. In coordination with all fire departments in Santa Barbara County, Montecito Fire Department declared the start of High Fire Season on June 2, 2025. As part of our routine preparation for peak fire season, Montecito Fire Department will host a […]
MF Chief David Neels has announced the Wildfire Preparedness Meeting with local public safety partners on Thursday, June 26, at 6 pm at Montecito Union School. The MFD with the Montecito Water District, Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, neighboring fire agencies, and local community organizations will discuss how […]
Firefighter/Paramedic Garet Blake has been honored for his 15 years of service with the Montecito Fire Department. Montecito Fire Department Chief Neels presented Blake with a 15-year pin that attaches to Blake’s badge. Joining in the celebration was Blake’s wife, children, family, and fellow MFD crew. 12th Annual SB & Montecito Unified School Track & […]
Montecito Fire Department Chief David Neels announced on April 16 that Firefighter/Paramedic Jared Gamm was bestowed the Military Order of the World Wars Award for his exceptional service to the Montecito community and dedication to providing emergency medical training to both members of our department and various community groups. Presenting the award was Brigadier General […]
The Montecito Fire Department started its 2025 chipping and fire fuels reduction program on February 18, and continues for 10 weeks, concluding on June 23. Community members may schedule a complimentary Defensible Space Survey with a member of the Montecito Fire Prevention Bureau by calling (805) 969-7762 or emailing [email protected]. MFD has an interactive map […]
Before we close out the first quarter of 2024, Montecito Fire Protection District is pleased to share our 2023 Annual Report to reflect on our successes, challenges, and opportunities to further provide the Montecito community with exceptional service. “This report serves as a comprehensive overview of our department’s achievements and ongoing commitment to ensuring the […]
The Montecito Association (MA) held its monthly Board meeting February 13 in person at the Rosewood Miramar Beach. Executive Director Houghton Hyatt acknowledged the donation of the board room by the hotel to the MA. There was one public comment from a representative of the Neighborhood Group living next to the Rosewood Miramar Beach. His […]
At a quiet, in-person Montecito Association Board of Directors meeting earlier this week, the Board heard from community leaders on various happenings in Montecito. Nick Turner with Montecito Water District reported on the ongoing potential of a recycled water project, which recently received $1M in grant funding from the State. The funds will be received […]
At this month’s Montecito Association Board Meeting, Montecito Fire Chief David Neels, along with reps from the Sheriff’s Department, Flood Control, and Office of Emergency Management, gave a presentation on the upcoming winter, which is expected to be a heavy rainy season. Chief Neels presented a recap of last winter, in which there was historical […]
Montecito Fire Department’s (MFD) Station 91 is an understated, red-tiled building in the foothills above Montecito – at a glance more “stately hacienda” than Command Center; though the hacienda’s 30’ aerial somewhat gives the game away. Fire Chief David Neels likewise cuts an approachable figure. Soft-spoken and earnest but given to sudden grins, he is […]
At Tuesday’s Montecito Association Board of Directors meeting, Montecito Fire Chief David Neels announced that a new temporary fire station south of the freeway is opening in Montecito this week, in response to the community-wide traffic congestion currently occurring. “We are concerned about emergency access due to construction, and we are augmenting our emergency response […]
At a quiet Montecito Association Board of Directors meeting earlier this week, Montecito Water District general manager Nick Turner reported several happenings at MWD, including an upcoming town hall meeting next week to review and discuss a final draft of Montecito’s Groundwater Sustainability Plan. Since the Montecito Groundwater Sustainability Agency was founded in 2018, data […]
