Tag archives: Montecito 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 […]
“Service above self” is at the core of what it means to be a firefighter. At Montecito Fire, we look to our elected Board of Directors as representatives of the community to decide policy issues and set priorities for the Fire District. Our most recent Board President, Peter van Duinwyk, has set an example of […]
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 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 — […]
Public safety, wildfire readiness, flood prevention and several new community initiatives took center stage at the Montecito Association’s August board meeting. Chief Brian Fallon of the Montecito Fire District reported that approximately 10% of district personnel are currently supporting mutual-aid assignments outside the community, while adequate staffing remains in place to protect Montecito. A new […]
Montecito Fire Department (MFD) Chief Brian Fallon announced recently there are “expected openings” to work for Montecito Fire Protection District. The positions are for an entry-level Firefighter/EMT and for a Firefighter/Paramedic. While recruitment will start in November 2026, this is a pre-recruitment announcement for interested applicants to get in shape and line up their skill […]
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 […]
By Lisa Duncan “This story goes back 20 years,” laughed Dana Newquist. “There were only three of us on the Fire District board – me, Ron Jensen, and John Venable. John and I were put in charge of hiring new firefighters, and one of the first questions we asked Ben Hauser was, ‘Can you cook?’ […]
Montecito’s favorite Independence Day tradition returns on Saturday, July 4, as the 30th Annual Village 4th brings neighbors together for the beloved World’s Shortest Parade, followed by a community celebration in Lower Manning Park. The day gets an early start with the Montecito Firefighters’ Association Pancake Breakfast from 7–11 am at Fire Station 91 (595 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 Montecito Fire Protection District is taking applications for a Fire Chief. Responsibilities and job requirements are posted on the website, see 411. 411: www.montecitofire.com/fire-chief Carp-Summerland FPD Chief Retires The Carp-Summerland Fire Protection District announced the retirement of Fire Chief Robert Kovach, who has served 15 years with them for a total of 40 years […]
As part of my weekly reporting on the Montecito Fire Protection District, particularly with an active rainy season underway, I noticed a banner on the district’s website advertising an opening for a new fire chief. When I wrote about the vacancy for News Bytes, I reached out to Fire Chief David Neels to confirm what […]
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 […]
