Tag archives: wildfire prevention
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 […]
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 […]
Our blue skies and summer sunshine have been mired by smoky, ashy conditions caused by the Gifford Fire burning in northeastern Santa Barbara County. While the fire is a considerable distance from Montecito, the smoky skies trigger visceral memories and even fear for many community members who have lived through wildfires here. We are in […]
There’s no panacea for wildfire. But a multi-tiered approach to building resilience to wildfire by Montecito Fire Department, coupled with the community’s investment in preparedness, is providing priceless returns. As we head into a new month, we’re looking back at recent Wildfire Prevention Programs that incrementally strengthen our ability to combat future wildfire challenges. Neighbors […]
Montecito Fire Dept. Chief Neels shares to the community, “On June 26, 2025, our partners from Montecito Water District, Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, neighboring fire agencies, and local community organizations joined us to discuss how your public safety agencies collaborate before, during and after emergencies.” The meeting […]
Westmont has welcomed a herd of sheep to campus to eat non-native vegetation and reduce wildfire fuel in the barranca west of Voskuyl Library, adjacent to the dry Westmont Creek. Coordinated by Montecito Fire, the flock from Cuyama Lamb will eat their fill before the grasses dry out later this summer and have the potential […]
We are in the middle of winter. January is not even over, yet over the past three months, we have seen multiple extreme, wind-driven wildfires devastate Southern California communities. The Mountain Fire in Camarillo in November burned nearly 20,000 acres and destroyed over 240 structures. The Franklin Fire in Malibu in December burned 4,000 acres […]
This just in – CAL FIRE is investing more than $90 million in 94 local wildfire prevention projects across California as part of the state’s wildfire preparedness strategy. Projects focus on protecting people, structures, and communities through hazardous fuels reduction, planning and education. Over the last five years, CAL FIRE has awarded more than $450 […]
The MJ was asked to the installation and testing of the Mighty Fire Breaker MFB-31 Citrotech®system. The test took place at a Bella Vista Drive estate in Montecito on Wednesday, July 24. This is the first location in our town to install the fire-retardant system. When I arrived, Steve Conboy, Founder, President and Chief Technologist […]
After a record-setting rain season and months of mild weather, the threat of wildfire may seem like less of a concern for the Santa Barbara County South Coast this year. As we celebrated the red, white, and blue over the past week, temperatures rose significantly for the first time in 2023. No matter how much […]
This week, Montecito became a little safer. On page 14 you can read about the ALERTCalifornia camera just installed on TV Hill that will provide 24/7 “eyes” on the Santa Barbara Front Country and eventually alert firefighters to new fire starts using artificial intelligence technology. But before you read about this exciting and potentially lifesaving […]
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 […]
As we step into 2022, Montecito Fire would like to share with the community our 2021 Annual Report. In it, we detail our successes and challenges in all aspects of our organization, from day-to-day operations to wildfire prevention work and community engagement. We encourage you to learn more about your Montecito Fire Department by reading […]
