Tag archives: Maeve Juarez

Wildfire Readiness, Public Safety, and Community Initiatives
By Houghton Hyatt   |   September 22, 2026

Wildfire prevention, winter storm preparedness, and public safety led the discussion at the Montecito Association’s September Board meeting, alongside updates on local schools, community projects, and MA initiatives. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department reviewed several incidents reported during August, including vehicle theft, burglary, DUI arrests, and continuing mailbox theft. Residents were encouraged to install […]

Abatement, Emergency Access, and New Requirements
By Christina Atchison   |   May 26, 2026

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 Community Turns Out for Wildfire Preparedness Meeting
By Christina Atchison   |   July 22, 2025

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 […]

New Wildfire Cameras Will Spot Fires on the Santa Barbara Front Country
By Christina Atchison   |   December 13, 2022

If you are looking for an unobstructed, panoramic view of the Santa Barbara South Coast, there are few better vantage points than from TV Hill. The back patio of KEYT News Channel’s newsroom has been the setting of annual Unity Telethons and countless news reporter live shots.  Flames also licked up the TV Hill hillside […]

Neighborhood Chipping Program
By Christina Atchison   |   August 16, 2022

Resiliency is built over time, in small and large ways that collectively strengthen and prepare us for whatever challenges we might face.  “In Montecito, we know that wildfire will inevitably challenge us,” said Montecito Fire Chief Kevin Taylor. “That’s why, our community has been building resiliency against wildfire threats on an ongoing basis for decades.”  […]

The Small Home Upgrade That Could Save Your Home in a Wildfire
By Christina Atchison   |   May 3, 2022

Whether you are in the process of renovating your home or still in the planning and dreaming phase, your Montecito Fire Department has a project to add to your list – the vents.  Hear us out. Overhauling your vents may not be nearly as satisfying as a new kitchen, but having new vents could be […]

Thank you, Montecito
By Christina Atchison   |   July 22, 2021

Thank you to everyone who cut back overgrown vegetation to make your community safer from future wildfires. Thank you for hauling your branches and brush to the curb, for welcoming our chipping crews to your neighborhood and for taking initiative to protect your home ahead of fire season. Now in its 22nd year, Montecito Fire’s […]

MFPD Presents Two Medals of Valor
By Kelly Mahan Herrick   |   November 8, 2018

On Tuesday, October 30, Montecito Fire Protection District hosted a special awards ceremony at Montecito Union School. The formality was to honor two MFPD firefighters for their courage and bravery during the January 9 debris flow. Wildland specialist Maeve Juarez and firefighter/paramedic Andrew Rupp were each given a Medal of Valor award, which is the […]