Tag archives: Nic Elmquist

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 […]

The Building Blocks of Fire Prevention
By Christina Atchison   |   October 18, 2022

What comes to mind when you think of the month of October?  Probably, the color orange. Perhaps, a pumpkin. However, for local firefighters, the arrival of fall conjures up something else orange – wildfire.  The spring and fall months on Santa Barbara’s South Coast can be both the most spectacularly beautiful and the most treacherous.  […]

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.”  […]

Emergencies & Insurance at Montecito Association
By Kelly Mahan Herrick   |   July 19, 2022

At this month’s Montecito Association board meeting, Montecito Fire Chief Kevin Taylor thanked attendees of the Fire District’s emergency preparation meeting, which took place last week at Westmont College.  The meeting had various presenters, including Wildland Fire Specialist and Fire Behavior Analyst Nic Elmquist, who reported that 90% of the western United States is in […]

Montecito Fire Hosts Wildfire Preparedness Community Meeting Plus, upcoming test of the ReadySBC Alert system across Montecito
By Christina Atchison   |   July 12, 2022

As we enjoy the sunny, warm summer weather, Montecito firefighters are acutely aware that our landscape is becoming drier and more receptive to rapid fire growth. It’s a reality of living in this stunning place.  “We all live with certain risks,” said Montecito Fire Chief Kevin Taylor. “When it comes to living with the risk […]

Wildfire Expo: Getting Wise Around Fire
By Jeff Wing   |   May 10, 2022

Frankenstein’s monster perhaps said it best: “Fire bad.” This is a capable summation but lacks actionable detail — and here in the celebrated Wildfire State, actionable detail is what it’s all about. Fortunately, the good people of Santa Barbara County’s Firesafe Council are hosting a three-day event that promises not just to fill the gaps […]

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 […]

Money Talks? UCSB Dorm Project Scrutinized
By Montecito Journal   |   November 9, 2021

Dennis McFadden, a respected architect and member of UCSB’s Design Review Committee, has resigned from the Committee in protest over the university’s proposed Munger Hall dormitory project.  As a long-time Santa Barbara architect, community resident, and fan of UCSB, I am writing to add my objections to the Munger Hall “Mega Dorm” currently proposed for […]

Paying it Forward as the West Faces Gnarly Fire Season
By Christina Atchison   |   August 24, 2021

Fire season across the West is off and running, already setting records and causing people to put their evacuation plans into action as flames threaten their homes. With your help, it’s a reality we are optimistic we can prevent in Montecito. Yet, we all must stay on guard for the possibility of wildfire in our […]

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 […]