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News & Useful Information
Montecito Fire Promotes 3 Firefighters
Posted by Geri Ventura -
MONTECITO, CA -The Montecito Fire Protection District promoted three firefighters with a ceremony Monday afternoon during the Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors at Fire District Headquarters.
Todd Edwards was promoted to Shift Battalion Chief. Todd began his career in 1985, and worked as a paramedic in both Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. In September of 1991, he was ...
›› Read More | 497 Words
Middle Road Structure Fire
Posted by GSV for Jackie Jenkins -
April
8,
2013
-
The
Montecito
Fire
Protection
District
responded
to
a
reported
structure
fire
at
140
Middle
Rd
at
4:33
p.m.
The
call
was
made
by
the
resident,
who
had
returned
home
and
discovered
smoke
coming
from
her
bedroom.
Montecito Fire personnel upon arrival found the master bedroom charged with smoke. The bedroom had been undergoing renovation, including ...
›› Read More | 147 Words
Montecito Fire Notification Methods
Posted by Geri Ventura -
After experiencing several devastating fires Montecito Fire has taken input from the community, and realizes that providing timely, accurate information is critical during emergencies.
Some of the concerns regarding emergency notification that surfaced after the Tea Fire included:
- Reverse 911 failures - Many calls were not received due to power outages and phone lines being burned
- Night
...
›› Read More | 568 Words
Fireplace, Wood Stove, and Space Heater Safety!
Posted by Geri Ventura -
There's nothing more cozy than building a fire in the fireplace on a chilly night. Before you put the kindling in the fireplace or turn on that space heater, here are some things to consider.
We've all seen the Chimney Sweep sing on the roof tops in Mary Poppins, but when was the last time you had your chimney cleaned? ...
›› Read More | 476 Words
STRUCTURE FIRE – HOT SPRINGS ROAD
Posted by Dave Andreas -
MONTECITO, CA - At approximately 7:45 in the evening of December 29, Montecito Fire Protection District and allied agencies responded to a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, the Montecito Battalion Chief surveyed the smoke pouring from the front of the building and promptly ordered additional resources from Carpinteria/Summerland Fire District and Santa Barbara City. Due to the size ...
›› Read More | 408 Words
Retired Montecito Fire Chief Passes Away
Posted by Geri Ventura -
December 03, 2012 - It is with great sadness, and heavy hearts, that Montecito Fire reports the passing of former Fire Chief Herbert C. McElwee. Herb began his career in 1954 with the United States Forest Service. In 1964, Herb was hired by Santa Barbara County Fire, where he promoted through the ranks to Operations Section Chief. After 21 years ...
›› Read More | 475 Words
HOW DID ESTABLISHING A PENSION OBLIGATION BOND SAVE THE FIRE DISTRICT OVER $160,000?
Posted by Geri Ventura -
November 1, 2012 - What is a Side Fund? There has been a lot of conversation about Montecito Fire District's Pension Obligation Bond and how it relates to the pay off of the District's Side Fund.
CalPERS provides this official definition of a Side Fund: "At the time of joining a risk pool, a side fund was created to account ...
›› Read More | 363 Words
MESSAGE FROM THE FIRE CHIEF REGARDING THE STATION 3 PROJECT
Posted by Geri Ventura for Chip Hickman, Fire Chief -
›› Read More | 1142 Words
CLARIFICATION OF MONTECITO FIRE DISTRICT BUDGET STATUS
Posted by Geri Ventura -
PRESS
RELEASE:
October
9,
2012
MONTECITO,
CA
-
It
has
been
brought
to
our
attention
that
there
are
misstatements
being
disseminated
throughout
the
community
relating
to
the
District's
financial
and
budget
status.
First,
it
has
been
stated
that
Montecito
Fire
District
is
operating
under
a
$2
million
dollar
deficit.
This is false. The District is not ...
›› Read More | 634 Words
Montecito Fire provides fire education to local schools during Fire Prevention Week
Posted by MFPD -
October 8, 2012 - In honor of Fire Prevention Week, The Montecito Fire District will be teaching fire safety to elementary school children within the Montecito Community.
From October 12th through October 19th, fire engine companies will visit seven schools, educating over 800 children how to be prepared in the case of an emergency. Topics will cover how to react ...
›› Read More | 313 Words
Fatality on Romero Canyon Trail
Posted by Jackie Jenkins -
MONTECITO,
CA
-
12:53
p.m.
The
Montecito
Fire
Protection
District
responded
to
a
patient
with
chest
pains
on
the
Romero
Canyon
Trail,
approximately
two
miles
from
the
top
of
the
trail
off
E.
Camino
Cielo.
Dispatchers
were
able
to
obtain
GPS
coordinates
from
the
patient's
cell
phone,
but
due
to
the
remote
location
of
the
patient,
a
helicopter
was
...
›› Read More | 151 Words
State Responsibility Area Fee to Fund CAL-Fire
Posted by Geri Ventura -
MONTECITO, CA - Montecito Fire Protection District Board of Directors adopted a resolution on August 20, 2012 opposing the newly implemented "State Responsibility Area" (SRA) fees, which will impose additional financial burden on its constituents without providing additional fire services.
Many residents in Montecito live within the SRA lands. SRA lands are lands in which the state assumes primary ...
›› Read More | 347 Words
Emergency Officials Ask Residents to Learn Lessons From Other Disasters
Posted by Geri Ventura, written by Michael Harris, OEM Emergency Operations Chief -
8/9/2012 - The Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management is asking local residents to learn lessons from other disasters and emergencies. Recently, as a result of catastrophic thunderstorms, residents of the east coast of the United States were without power for several days. With the recent warnings of potential power outages due to extremely hot temperatures in the Southern ...
›› Read More | 268 Words
Montecito Firemen's Association Annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast.
Posted by Geri Ventura -
Please join the Montecito Firemen's Association Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at the Annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast.
Pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice, coffee, and milk will be served by your local firefighters from 7:30 am to 10:30 am at Fire District Headquarters, 595 San Ysidro Rd.
Tickets are $8 each and can be purchased at the door.
Proceeds go to ...
›› Read More | 62 Words
Montecito Fire Joins Active Heroes in Hike to Support Our Troops
Posted by Geri Ventura -
On June 23, 2012, Matthew Kerner walked into Montecito Fire Station #1 on his fundraising trek across America benefitting Active Heroes, a non profit organization assisting veterans, active duty military and their families.
Upon entering Montecito, Matt was escorted to the Station by MFD Engine 91, Squad 91. Montecito Fire's new Fire Chief, Chip Hickman, walked along with him on ...
›› Read More | 223 Words
STRUCTURE FIRE - 535 BARKER PASS, MONTECITO
Posted by Geri Ventura -
MONTECITO, CA - The Montecito Fire Protection District responded to a reported structure fire at 535 Barker Pass. The incident was reported at 9:38 p.m. by the resident, who had been out, and just returned home.
Upon arrival, Montecito Fire personnel found a fully involved studio. The fire was knocked down at 10:00 p.m.
There were 4 engines, 1 truck ...
›› Read More | 110 Words
Fire District Mechanic Awarded Rotary Club Vocational Service/Public Safety Award
Posted by Geri Ventura -
MONTECITO, CA - John Badaracco, who has been with Montecito Fire Protection District since 2004, is being honored Tuesday, May 15th, by the Montecito Rotary Club for his exceptional service and contributions to the community. Although his job title is Fire District Mechanic, John has taken on many other tasks to expand his contributions to the Fire District including radio ...
›› Read More | 224 Words
Montecito Cottage Destroyed by Fire
Posted by Geri Ventura -
April 9, 2012 - At 9:03 p.m, 4/7/2012, the Montecito Fire Protection District responded to a structure fire at 492 Cota Lane.
Montecito Fire personnel arrived at 9:08 pm and found a fully involved single story structure. A second alarm was dispatched at 9:14 p.m.
The structure was made of redwood single wall construction open beam ceilings, and was estimated ...
›› Read More | 250 Words
Montecito Fire Protection District Receives Grant to Prevent Wildfires
Posted by Geri Ventura -
The $50,000 Donation will be Funding Montecito Fire's Neighborhood Defensible Space Program
MONTECITO, Calif. - With the start of this year's wildfire season upon us, Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company are teaming up to support a program that keeps neighborhoods safer from the raging fires.
The two companies are donating $50,000 to the Montecito ...
›› Read More | 497 Words
Montecito Fire Educates Residents about "Stayin Alive" with Hands Only CPR Clinic
Posted by Geri Ventura -
February 14, 2012 - This afternoon, Montecito Fire, along with Santa Barbara County Emergency Medical Services Agency and MERRAG participated in a County-wide CPR Awareness Event.
Local residents and employees working in the "Upper Village Green"* in Montecito were taught the simple technique of "Hands Only" CPR in less time than it takes to fill your gas tank.
By increasing ...
›› Read More | 513 Words
Montecito Firefighters Participate in Library Story time
Posted by Geri Ventura -
January 30, 2012 - Montecito Fire District Firefighters partnered with the Montecito Branch of the Santa Barbara Library System earlier today to read books to pre-school aged children.
Captain Travis Ederer, Engineer Mike Elliott, Firefighter Ben Hauser, Firefighter Sarah Bumanglag and Paramedic-Firefighter Kurt Hickman spent the morning reading Firefighter and fire station themed stories. After the stories were read, the ...
›› Read More | 157 Words
Overturned Vehicle - 1600 Blk E. Valley Rd - Driver texting
Posted by Geri Ventura -
Jan. 9, 2012 - The Montecito Fire Protection District responded to a reported overturned vehicle at Live Oak and East Valley Road at 3:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, Montecito Fire personnel found a silver 2000 Honda Civic EX overturned and blocking both directions of traffic in ...
›› Read More | 164 Words
Fire Board Selects New Fire Chief
Posted by Geri Ventura -
MONTECITO, CA - Battalion Chief Stephen (Chip) Hickman has been selected by the Montecito Fire Protection District Board as the new Fire Chief to succeed Fire Chief Kevin Wallace who will retire on May 31, 2012.
"While I am saddened that the District will be losing Chief Wallace, I'm very happy that we have selected one from our own ...
›› Read More | 217 Words
Montecito Firefighters supporting Men's Cancer Awareness
Posted by Geri Ventura -
On October 31st, participating Fire District Employees shaved off their facial hair to participate in Movember. Movember (moustache November) is a global movement that helps to raise funds and awareness for men's health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.
The pictures of our clean shaven participants have be posted to the Montecito Firemen's Association webpage and Facebook ...
›› Read More | 391 Words
MONTECITO FIRE AND LA CASA DE MARIA RETREAT CENTER ENTER AGREEMENT FOR REMOTE WEATHER STATION INSTALLATION
Posted by Geri Ventura -
The Montecito Fire Protection District and La Casa de Maria Retreat Center entered into a cooperative agreement last month for the installation of a second Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS). The National Weather Service and the US Forest Service also contributed greatly in a collaborative effort with the District and La Casa de Maria in making this local RAWS installation ...
›› Read More | 492 Words
“Day of Remembrance” in memory of the 10thAnniversary of September 11th, 2001
Posted by Geri Ventura -
Date:
Sunday,
September
11tth,
2011
Time:
10:00
a.m.
-
11:00
a.m.
Location:
Santa
Barbara
County
Courthouse
Sunken
Gardens
-
1100
Anacapa
Street,
Santa
Barbara,
CA
This special event will honor the first responders and over 3000 civilian lives lost that day, along with our military members who have perished fighting the terrorism behind the attacks.
The ceremony ...
›› Read More | 160 Words
Safe Surrendered Baby Program
Posted by Jackie Jenkins -
MONTECITO, CA - The Montecito Fire Protection District has implemented the Safely Surrendered Baby Program. In California, the Safely Surrendered Baby Law allows an individual to safely give up an unwanted infant with no fear of arrest or prosecution for abandonment as long as the baby has not been abused or neglected.
The Safely Surrendered Baby Law (SSB) was implemented ...
›› Read More | 173 Words
New State Law Requires the installation of Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Posted by Geri Ventura -
A new state law was recently enacted that requires carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in all new and existing single-family homes.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that kills more than 500 Americans every year. To minimize Carbon monoxide exposure, never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, or ...
›› Read More | 169 Words
Montecito Fire Honors Marborg Industries
Posted by Jackie Jenkins -
Montecito Fire Protection District is honoring MarBorg Industries for their contribution in supporting Fire Hazard Reduction programs in Montecito.
MarBorg Industries and the Fire District have been partners in Defensible Space/Survivable Space Fuel Reduction Programs over the past several years. Neighborhood driven fuel reduction projects have been accomplished with a focus on improving access roads and reducing the amount of ...
›› Read More | 119 Words
Montecito Fire & Santa Barbara City Fire Celebrate New Recruit Academy Graduation
Posted by Geri Ventura -
April 8, 2011 - The Santa Barbara City Fire Department and the Montecito Fire Protection District are proud to announce the graduation of 12 new recruits on Friday, April 8th at 1:00 pm at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Patrick Irey, Renzo Durbiano, Isaac Siegel, Alex Kargbo, Gabe Donald, Mark Kramer, Jason Fernandes, Ryan Ortiz, Dan Warren, and ...
›› Read More | 246 Words
Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness Training
Posted by Geri Ventura -
Due to overwhelming demand we have scheduled an additional Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness Training Session!
WHEN:
APRIL
11,
2011
4:00
P.M.
-
6:00
P.M.
WHERE:
EL
MONTECITO
PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH
1455
EAST
VALLEY
ROAD
MONTECITO,
CA
93108
This training is to educate the Montecito community how to better prepare themselves ...
›› Read More | 235 Words
Montecito Fire Adds another tool to their Emergency Notification System
Posted by Geri Ventura -
REVISED September 27, 2010- The Montecito Fire Protection District has added a new emergency notification system to its arsenal of information dissemination. Residents who live within the Montecito Fire Protection District boundaries are now able to purchase a tone alert radio from Ambient Control Systems for their home or office. This radio, called HomeALERT, will transmit an up to 90 ...
›› Read More | 700 Words
Montecito Fire Announces Recent New Hires, Promotions and Retirements
Posted by Richard Lauritson -
The Montecito Fire District would like to announce the following retirements, promotions, new hires:
The retirement of James Langhorne brought an end to a 29 year chapter in the Montecito Fire District's history. Division Chief Langhorne started as a Firefighter and retired as the Fire Marshal. The development of the Montecito community was guided by his hand and unique vision ...
›› Read More | 313 Words
Do you know what you would take if you only had 10 minutes to evacuate?
Posted by Geri Ventura -
We should all know by now that the luxury of having even 10 minutes may not be an option in the event of a wildfire.
We'd like you to take a ...
›› Read More | 205 Words
Montecito Fire Initiates New Information Delivery System
Posted by Geri Ventura -
After experiencing two devastating fires over the past year, the Tea Fire and the Jesusita Fire, Montecito Fire has taken input from the community, and realizes that providing timely, accurate information is critical during emergencies.
In an effort to increase the access to this critical information, Montecito Fire Protection District is now utilizing NIXLE to disseminate Emergency Alerts and other ...
›› Read More | 242 Words
Extreme Heat Advisories. Be aware of the symptoms of heat related illnesses.
Posted by Geri Ventura -
The following information is provided by the CDC to assist you with information on how to protect yourself and your family during this hot weather.
DURING HOT WEATHER
...›› Read More | 1775 Words
MONTECITO VOTERS OVERWHELMINGLY APPROVE MEASURE M2010
Posted by Geri Ventura -
July 13, 2010 - Voters in the Montecito Fire Protection District once again approved an all mailed ballot measure allowing the District to spend all of what it collects in property tax revenues. The measure easily passed with voter turnout at 34.21 percent. 1,868 of nearly 5,800 registered voters voted in favor of the measure and 141 opposed, giving an ...
›› Read More | 239 Words
Commonly asked Questions Re: Reverse 911
Posted by GSVentura -
Q.
When
will
R911
be
used
to
contact
me?
A.
We
may
call
you
with
information
updates
that
pertain
to
your
neighborhood.We
may
call
you
to
invite
you
to
a
community
meeting.
We
may
call
to
give
you
health
advisories.
We
may
call
you
for
evacuation
warnings
or
orders.
Q.
How
does
R911
call
my
phone?
A.
R911
is
a
...
›› Read More | 433 Words
MFD responds to a Structure Fire at 1165 Summit Rd.
Posted by Geri Ventura -
June 29, 2010 - The Montecito Fire Protection District responded to a reported structure fire at 1165 Summit Rd at 1:05 p.m. The call to 911 was made by resident. Upon arrival, MFD found smoke charged throughout the structure. The fire originated in a mechanical room in the basement and was contained to an area of approximately 200 square ...
›› Read More | 166 Words
All local Santa Barbara fire jurisdictions declare 2010 High Fire Season to begin 6/14/2010 at 8:00am.
Posted by Geri Ventura -
On June 14 at 8:00 am, Santa Barbara County Fire, in conjunction with the Montecito Fire Protection District and all other local fire jurisdictions, will declare the beginning of the 2010 High Fire Season.
While we have had the typical "June Gloom" weather pattern in the front country, and in Montecito, it has been increasingly warmer and drier behind our ...
›› Read More | 147 Words
Ready! Set! Go! Your Wildfire Action Plan
Posted by Geri Ventura -
There
is
no
mistaking
it
-
We
live
in
a
fire
prone
environment.
Get
prepared
NOW!
Check
out
our
Ready!Set!Go!
Program.
Wildland
fires
have
always
been
a
part
of
Montecito's
natural
environment.
Due
to
development
in
the
wild
land
environment,
properties
have
taken
on
more
of
a
risk.
We know that there are never enough fire apparatus and equipment ...
›› Read More | 182 Words
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 4/11-4/17
Posted by Geri Ventura -
This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and we at Montecito Fire would like you to join us in thanking our dispatchers - Jackie and Paty for their hard work and dedication to providing excellent service to our firefighters and our community.
Jackie and Paty - your contributions do not go unnoticed!
Thank you for professionalism and for being ...
›› Read More | 64 Words
Take our new survey: How Prepared Are YOU?
Posted by Geri Ventura -
With the recent earthquakes in Haiti, Chile, and now Mexico, it is important to review the steps you have taken to be prepared.
Disasters cannot be predicted - but you can prepare for them in advance.
Montecito Fire and MERRAG have combined efforts to create a brief survey so that we can find out how prepared our community is, and ...
›› Read More | 177 Words
Structure Fire at 2395 Bella Vista, Montecito
Posted by Geri Ventura -
The Montecito Fire Protection District responded to a reported structure fire at 2395 Bella Vista Rd at 10:02 a.m. The call was made by the resident.
Upon arrival, Montecito Fire personnel found smoke coming from a 500 square foot guest house. The resident reported that there were no occupants in the structure. The fire was knocked down at 10:24 a.m.
...›› Read More | 120 Words
MONTECITO FIRE TO TEST AUDIBLE EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
Posted by Geri Ventura -
Friday
January
29th
the
Montecito
Fire
Protection
District
will
be
conducting
a
TEST
of
Audible
Emergency
Notification
System
(Sirens).
This
test
is
scheduled
for
Friday
January
29th
between
11:00
AM
and
12:00
Noon.
The equipment will be temporally located in the East Mountain Drive area between Coyote and Cold Springs Roads.
Local residents will hear a siren, followed ...
›› Read More | 229 Words
Residents Urged to Prepare for Upcoming Predicted Weather Events
Posted by Geri Ventura -
As the predictions are coming in from NOAA/NWS about next week's weather patterns, Motnecito Fire urges residents to PREPARE properties NOW for the rain and wind, before the predicted weather events arrive.
Be sure to clean out your rain gutters before the storms, and bring in patio furniture and other items outside that can blow away or be carried by ...
›› Read More | 388 Words
Monecito Union School provides Earthquake PSA to MFD for Radio and Web
Posted by Geri Ventura -
January 6, 2010 - The Montecito Fire Protection District is excited to incorporate the efforts of Montecito Union School songwriter's class into their website's Disaster Preparedness page and Community Informational Radio Station 1680 AM.
"Drop, Take Cover, and Hold On", is a song written as a public service announcement, that educates citizens on what to do during an earthquake. ...
›› Read More | 275 Words
Holiday Season Safety Tips
Posted by Geri Vemtura -
Each year fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 people, injure 1,650 more, and cause over $990 million in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce ...
›› Read More | 888 Words
Montecito Fire District Receives Grant to Prevent Wildfires
Posted by Geri Ventura -
December 1, 2009 - Momentous Insurance Brokerage and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company presented Montecito Fire District a $25,182 check today to support our wildfire prevention efforts and brush clearing in the community.
The grant money will specifically be used to fill a budget shortfall in funding for the district's annual brush clearing efforts. Annually, the district spends about $130,000 ...
›› Read More | 190 Words
Fire Behavior - 1st Article in a Series
Posted by Jeff Saley (photo credit: Ray Ford) -
How fire "behaves" - or misbehaves - is due to some very basic physical and chemical processes. We will try not to bore you with this short explanation of these basics, but it's important to you as a property owner in planning what to do with your property to make it more fire resistant and defensible.
Combustion and Heat Transfer
...›› Read More | 794 Words
Montecito Fire District Receives $25,000 Donation from Local Resident
Posted by Geri Ventura -
September 29, 2009 - Montecito Fire Protection District recently received 2 cash donations totaling $25,000 from Montecito resident Sergey Grishin to purchase thermal imager cameras for firefighters to use when entering burning buildings.
Mr. Grishin approached the Fire District offering to provide funds for needed fire equipment that could not be purchased within the current budget year.
Battalion Chief Glen ...
›› Read More | 164 Words
STRUCTURE FIRE 1483 EAST VALLEY RD, MONTECITO
Posted by Geri Ventura -
August 17, 2009 - The Montecito Fire Protection District responded to a reported structure fire at Via Vai Restaurant, 1483 East Valley Rd at 0351 a.m.
Upon arrival, Montecito Fire personnel found column of heavy smoke coming from the rear of the business. The fire did not extend into the interior of the building and was knocked down at 0412 ...
›› Read More | 109 Words
How to deal with smoke and ash exposure
Posted by GSVentura -
Keep your doors, windows and dampers closed. Stay indoors to minimize exposure -- especially if you have respiratory ailments. Here are some other things to consider when dealing with large amounts of ash fall:
Wash ash off children's toys before children play with them.
Clean ash off house pets.
Wear gloves, long sleeved shirts, and long pants and avoid skin ...
›› Read More | 317 Words
How Air Resources Are Utilized On Wildland Fires
Posted by Geri Ventura -
Click Here for a printable version of this information
We are asked this over and over again. Why can't we just put this fire out with water and retardant drops ?
When a fire burns in extremely dry brush, it is a difficult animal to cage. Often there are areas that haven't burned in many years.
Fires that ...
›› Read More | 548 Words
H1N1 Influenza Pandemic Alert raised to Phase 6
Posted by Geri Ventura -
On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the level of influenza pandemic alert to phase 6, which indicates the start of an actual pandemic. This change reflects the spread of the influenza A(H1N1) virus, not its severity. Although currently the pandemic is of moderate severity with the majority of patients experiencing mild symptoms and making a rapid ...
›› Read More | 627 Words
Neighbor and Resident Extinguish Garage Fire
Posted by Geri Ventura -
June 1, 2009 - The Montecito Fire Protection District responded to a reported structure fire at 145 Santa Isabella at 12:25 p.m. on May 31, 2009.
Upon arrival, Montecito Fire personnel found that resident Keven Vickers and neighbor Thomas Tighe had successfully extinguished the fire prior to arrival.
Mr. Vickers and Mr. Tighe were across the street when Mr. Tighe's ...
›› Read More | 141 Words
Sundowner Winds and Santa Ana's
Posted by Geri Ventura -
What
makes
a
Sundowner
wind
event
different
than
a
Santa
Ana
wind
event?
I
contacted
Ryan
Kittell
of
the
National
Weather
Service
earlier
this
year,
and
this
is
what
he
had
to
say:
Sundowners
are
a
different
beast
caused
by
a
different
weather
pattern
than
Santa
Anas,
but
they
do
act
in
a
similar
way.
Santa
Ana
...
›› Read More | 411 Words
Wild Fire Awareness Week
Posted by Geri Ventura -
May 2-9, 2009 is Wildfire Awareness Week - Do you know what to do if a wildfire occurs where you live?
While California's long, hot and dry summers offer us fantastic weather for many fun activities, they also provide optimal conditions for one of our state's biggest dangers - wildfires. In 2008, we experienced some of the most devastating fires ...
›› Read More | 216 Words
Swine Influenza and You
Posted by Geri Ventura -
Updated
May
1,
2009,
5:00
pm-
Please
check
the
CDC's
website
for
the
most
current
and
up
to
date
information
on
the
Swine
Flu
epidemic:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/whatsnew.htm
The
Santa
Barbara
Public
Health
Department
has
also
established
a
Phone
Line
for
the
public
to
call
for
updates
at
(888)
722-6358.
For
more
information
on
Swine
Flu
›› Read More | 1681 Words
MERRAG is What's Right in the Community
Posted by Geri Ventura -
April
23,
2009
-
KEYT
News
anchor
Paula
Lopez
(Santa
Barbara
Channel
3)
recently
did
a
segment
called
"What's
Right
in
the
Community"
featuring
MERRAG.
Click
Here
to
see
why
they
felt
MERRAG
is
Right
in
the
Community!
MERRAG
continues
to
provide
the
Montecito
Community
with
educational
information
and
training
to
participate
in
local
community
events
...
›› Read More | 98 Words
Series of California Earthquakes Heightens Alert for Bigger Quakes to Come
Posted by Geri Ventura -
1-5%
chance
of
7.0
Magnitude
Quake
or
Bigger
in
next
few
Days
Along
San
Andreas
Fault,
According
to
California
Emergency
Management
Agency
March
26,
2009
-
The
Santa
Barbara
County
Chapter
of
the
American
Red
Cross
announced
that
the
California
Emergency
Management
Agency
issued
a
warning
to
operational
Red
Cross
areas
throughout
the
state
yesterday
after
a
4.8
magnitude
...
›› Read More | 644 Words
Defensible Space Grant provided by Firemen's Fund Insurance
Posted by Geri Ventura -
March
10,
2009
Montecito
Fire
Protection
District
has
received
a
$5,000.00
grant
from
Firemen's
Fund
Insurance
in
support
of
their
Neighborhood
Defensible
Space
Program.
The
objective
is
to
create
defensible/survivable
space
by
reducing
the
volume
of
FLAMMABLE
VEGETATION
on
private
property
as
well
as
hillsides
and
access
roads
within
local
neighborhoods.
Participating
residents
receive
educational
help
from
fire
...
›› Read More | 107 Words
CHANGE YOUR CLOCK CHANGE YOUR BATTERY
Posted by Geri Ventura -
March
6,
2009
-
For
21-years
the
International
Association
of
Fire
Chiefs,
in
cooperation
with
the
National
Fire
Protection
Association,
has
promoted
the
Change
Your
Clock,
Change
Your
Battery
program.
Smoke
Detectors
Save
Lives
has
been
the
theme
phrase
used
by
Fire
Protection
Professional
for
the
past
40-years.
The
following
statistics
point
to
the
vital
importance
of
having
a
...
›› Read More | 291 Words
Montecito Fire District Answers Tea Fire Forum Questions
Posted by Geri Ventura -
February
13,
2009
-
Montecito
Fire
Officials
have
responded
to
questions
posed
to
the
Montecito
Association
before
and
after
the
Tea
Fire
Forum
held
on
Monday,
January
26,
at
El
Montecito
Presbyterian
Church.
There
were
some
questions
posed
at
the
Forum
that
were
outside
Montecito
Fire
District's
jurisdiction,
which
were
forwarded
to
the
appropriate
agency
to
respond.
›› Read More | 74 Words
Weather Service Updates
Posted by Geri Ventura -
February 9, 2009 - An experimental service is now being offered by the National Weather Service referred to as "iNWS" that will email or text message an alert if there are weather hazards in any given area that you choose to be notified about. (You can select multiple areas, and multiple "hazards" to be alerted to.)Keep in mind that if ...
›› Read More | 167 Words
STRUCTURE FIRE 860 Picacho Lane
Posted by Geri Ventura -
FEB
3,
2009.
The
Montecito
Fire
Protection
District
responded
to
a
reported
structure
fire
at
860
Picacho
Lane
at
8:21
a.m.
Upon
arrival,
Montecito
Fire
personnel
found
active
fire
in
the
attic
area
of
a
7500
square
foot,
two
story,
single
family
residence.
There
are
3
engines,
1
squad,
several
command
vehicles
and
over
15
firefighters
on
scene
...
›› Read More | 81 Words
Tea Fire Community Forum
Posted by Geri Ventura -
Monday,
January
26,
2009,
7-9PM
El
Montecito
Presbyterian
Church
1455
East
Valley
Road
What
Happend?
What
Have
We
Learned?
You
are
invited
to
join
us
in
a
panel
discussion
with:
For more info, please call the Montecito Association
Exhibition Basketball Game to Benefit Tea Fire Victims
Posted by Geri Ventura -
December
16,
2008
-
The
Santa
Barbara
Breakers
and
Montecito
Fire
Protection
District
are
announcing
a
Benefit
Basketball
Game
to
help
raise
funds
for
Tea
Fire
Victims.
Montecito
Firefighters
are
practicing
for
the
Sunday,
December
21
contest,
to
be
played
at
the
Westmont
College
Murchison
Gymnasium.
Tipoff
is
will
be
at
4:00
pm.
The
Firefighters
opponents
will
be
...
›› Read More | 136 Words
Winter Weather Preparedness
Posted by GSVentura -
What to do when winter weather is predicted
- Clean out your rain gutters and drains, removing leaves, branches and other debris.
- Turn off automated sprinkler systems when rain is expected.
- Lower the level in your swimming pool, so it is less likely to overflow during heavy rain. The chlorinated pool water can be harmful to your grass
- Store
...
›› Read More | 1016 Words
DOUGLAS FOUNDATION DONATES LOW POWER AM RADIO
Posted by Geri Ventura -
10/23/08 - The Montecito Fire Protection District held a reception on Sunday, October 12, 2008 to thank the Douglas Foundation for their donation of a low power AM radio to the Fire District. Kirk and Anne Douglas attended the reception on behalf of their foundation. They stated that they were pleased to be able to help the community and were ...
›› Read More | 274 Words
Montecito Fire District Increases Staffing for Predicted Weather and Fires in Southern California
Posted by Geri Ventura -
October
14,
2008
-
Montecito
Fire
District
has
increased
staffing
to
have
in
place
throughout
the
predicted
wind
events
over
the
next
few
days.
As
warmer,
dryer
conditions
move
into
the
area,
the
threat
of
a
fire
occurring
in
the
Santa
Barbara
South
Coast
increases
because
of
the
extended
moderate
drought
conditions
throughout
California.
In
addition
to
up
staffing
...
›› Read More | 452 Words
Montecito Fire Fighters Train in Neighborhood House
Posted by Travis Ederer -
September 22, 2008 - The Montecito Fire department conducted structure fire fighting drills in a local Montecito house. Between the dates of September 10th, through September 13th, the Montecito Fire Protection District conducted training at a house on San Ysidro Road. The house was made available, prior to demolition, by the homeowner. The drill was a multi-agency evolution that included ...
›› Read More | 169 Words
Montecito Fire Disrtict recieves $5,000 Grant
Posted by Curtis Vincent -
August
22,
2008
-
Montecito
Fire
Protection
District
has
received
a
$5,000.00
grant
from
Firemen's
Fund
Insurance
in
support
of
our
"Neighborhood
Defensible
Space
Program".
The
objective
is
to
create
defensible/survivable
space
by
reducing
the
volume
of
FLAMMABLE
VEGETATION
on
private
property
as
well
as
hillsides
and
access
roads
within
local
neighborhoods.
Participating
residents
receive
educational
help
...
›› Read More | 110 Words
Fast Action Controls Blaze
Posted by T.McElwee / Photo - Paul Wellman -
August
22,
2008
-
On
August
15th
at
approximately
8:00pm
Montecito
Fire
responded
to
a
reported
vegetation
fire
in
the
100
block
of
Canon
View.
Montecito
Fire
District,
Santa
Barbara
City
Fire
and
the
Los
Padres
Forest
Service
all
responded
as
part
of
the
mutual
aid
system.
Montecito
Brush
Engine
391
was
first
on
scene
and
initiated
a
...
›› Read More | 150 Words
Montecito Fire Chief Arrested
Posted by Geri Ventura -
August
13,
2008-Montecito
Fire
Chief
Kevin
Wallace
went
to
"jail"
to
help
raise
funds
for
the
Muscular
Dystrophy
Association
earlier
today.
The
"jailers"
picked
him
up
from
Fire
District
Headquarters
at
approximately
1:00
pm
on
a
warrant
issued
by
an
unknown
MDA
accomplice.
Chief
Wallace,
and
his
wife
Maureen
both
went
without
incident
to
the
Rooftop
of
the
Canary
...
›› Read More | 171 Words
Montecito Fire District Welcomes Three New Firefighters
Posted by Geri Ventura -
August 4, 2008 - Montecito Fire Protection District is proud to announce three new firefighters have joined the Fire District Family. Sarah Marshall, Jordan Zeitsoff, and Ben Hauser started on May 1st, 2008. The three newest members attended an arduous 3 month joint fire academy with Santa Barbara City Fire Department. The new recruits were led by Captain Mike Lee, ...
›› Read More | 370 Words
MFD Fire Engineer Receives Rotary Club Vocational Service Award!
Posted by Geri Ventura -
May 27, 2008 - Montecito Fire District Engineer Travis Ederer was presented the Rotary Club Vocational Service Award on May 21, 2008. Travis is an integral part of the Montecito Fire District and was given this award in recognition of his contributions to the District and his personal accomplishments.
Travis began his career with the District in June of 1999 ...
›› Read More | 199 Words
Montecito Residents Participate in Local Evacuation Drill
Posted by Geri Ventura - Photo by Ben Ryan/MERRAG -
MONTECITO, CA – 4/28/2008 The Montecito Community participated in their first ever Evacuation Drill on Saturday, April 26, 2008. Fire District Officials and Sheriff Department Representatives feel that the drill was a success on many levels.
One of the original objectives of the drill included testing emergency alerting systems and evaluating the effectiveness of notification methods.
Early reports indicate that ...
›› Read More | 737 Words
Pyrocumulus Clouds - Science 101
Posted by GSVentura -
Distribution: Any area where wildfires occur. Height: 2000 to 30,000 feet.
- Cause: Convection created by fire.
- Associated Weather: Can generate showers and storms.
- Hazard Warning: Clouds may develop into cumulonimbus and trigger further fires through lightning strikes.
This variation of cumulus derives its name from the fact that fire (pyro in Latin) creates both the ...
›› Read More | 241 Words
How to deal with smoke and ash exposure
Posted by Geri Ventura -
Keep
your
doors,
windows
and
dampers
closed.
Stay
indoors
to
minimize
exposure
--
especially
if
you
have
respiratory
ailments.
Here
are
some
other
things
to
consider
when
dealing
with
large
amounts
of
ash
fall:
Wash
ash
off
children's
toys
before
children
play
with
them.
Clean
ash
off
house
pets.
Wear
gloves,
long
sleeved
...
›› Read More | 338 Words