Tag archives: fire

With summer winding down and winter storms ahead, local trail organizations are turning their attention to maintenance, restoration and volunteer recruitment throughout the Montecito area. The Old Romero Road Trail, closed since 2023 following storm damage, received a month of work in August from the Los Padres National Forest Association Trail Crew, Montecito Trails Foundation […]

This week I interviewed Montecito Fire Department (MFD) Chief Brian Fallon, who has been leading MFD since April of this year. But first, there is a September 14, 4:30 pm, Montecito Community Meeting at Montecito Union School on the upcoming wet-weather months. Presenting are Montecito Fire, Santa Barbara County Flood Control, and Supervisor Lee’s Office. […]

Montecito has two new temporary firefighter housing sites for use during periods of elevated fire risk and other significant weather events thanks to a strong partnership between the Montecito Fire Department and Montecito Water District. Strategically located on the east and west ends of Montecito Fire’s service area, these sites will provide enhanced public safety […]

Montecito Fire Department Chief Brian Fallon announced that MFD firefighters are assisting with wildfire operations across the Western United States, supporting communities and fire crews on the front lines in Northern California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and New Mexico.  MFD Teams are currently assigned to: • Old Trails Fire — Spokane, WA • Timber Fire — […]

On July 20, Montecito Fire Chief Brian Fallon honored veteran firefighter/paramedic Ryland McCracken for his 20 years of service to Montecito Fire Protection District (MFPD). A ceremony at the main Montecito fire station took place where he received his 20-year pin from Fallon. Attending were McCracken’s fellow firefighters and his family. Among highlights of his […]

The Montecito Fire Protection District is proud to serve the community as an All-Risk Fire Department, meaning our firefighters are trained, equipped, and prepared to respond to virtually any emergency that occurs within the district. While many residents naturally associate the Fire Department with fighting fires, the reality is that fire suppression represents only one […]

Santa Barbara County’s High Fire Season was officially declared on May 25, 2026 – signaling a heightened risk of potentially severe wildfire impacts in our local area. Just days prior to that announcement, a pair of Montecito firefighters deployed to Santa Rosa Island where a vegetation fire quickly grew to more than 16,000 acres – […]

On Tuesday, June 2, Montecito Fire’s Firefighter/Paramedic Jared Gamm received the 2026 Rotary Club of Montecito Public Service Award. Nominated by his peers, Gamm was recognized for his exceptional work ethic, personal integrity, and exemplary service to our community. Jared’s wife, Shannon, and his children were able to join for this meaningful moment. MFD thanks […]

The old adage, “April showers bring May flowers,” is not a complete bed of roses given high fire season predictions on the Santa Barbara County South Coast.  Maeve Juarez is a wildland fire specialist with Montecito Fire Department and has been responding to wildfires across the Western United States for the better part of the […]

Montecito Fire has done two rescues of people with snake bites in April so far. They are urging everyone to be vigilant. Montecito Fire reports, “April 12, at 3:38 pm, the Montecito Fire Emergency Team responded to the Buena Vista Trail for an injured hiker who was reportedly bitten by a rattlesnake. The female hiker […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

On November 13, 2008, a wildfire started near a Montecito property known as the Tea Gardens.  The Tea Fire was first reported at about 5:45 pm. Strong sundowner winds with gusts up to 85 miles per hour reignited smoldering embers of an illegal bonfire from the night before.  At the time, Montecito Fire Marshal and […]

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 California Board of Forestry (BOF) is closing in on Governor Gavin Newsom’s December 31 deadline to finalize new regulations that focus on clearing combustible materials within the first five feet of structures.  “Montecito Fire Department has been keenly aware and engaged in Zone Zero discussions over the past five years,” said Montecito Fire Chief […]

Jorge’s nephew is a curious kid who wants to know stuff. That bodes well for the youngster growing up to be an interesting adult. One day, though, he stumped his uncle with a fairly straightforward question. “What’s your job, uncle Jorge?”  East Camino Cielo Road in the Los Padres National Forest is the northernmost boundary […]

The recent article “Zero Zero: The Regulations Being Defined Right Now” leaves readers with several incorrect impressions about Zone Zero and California’s wildfire mitigation strategy. I have close family ties to the Montecito community and care deeply about its future. I also bring over 34 years of frontline and policy experience in wildfire suppression and […]

This month, Santa Barbara County public safety officials are joining together to highlight National Preparedness Month with a countywide theme of “Preparedness Starts with You.”  Community members are encouraged to take simple proactive steps to protect themselves, their families, pets, and neighborhoods before the next emergency incident occurs here.  “Our community knows firsthand how suddenly […]

Within California’s high fire hazard areas, Zone Zero is defined as the first zero-to-five feet extending away from any structure. In the coming months, the California Board of Forestry will decide what you are allowed to have in this space nearest your home. If you live in Montecito or Santa Barbara between the Santa Ynez […]