Jun 05, 2023 at 09:35 PM

Community asked to prepare for wildfire

MONTECITO, CA – The Santa Barbara County Fire Department, in conjunction with all local fire jurisdictions including Montecito, has declared June 5 as the start of the 2023 High Fire Season for all areas of Santa Barbara County.

During High Fire Season, Montecito Fire Department increases staffing ahead of critical fire weather conditions and dispatches additional resources to wildland fire incidents. Additionally, all burn permits in Santa Barbara County are suspended during High Fire Season.

Montecito’s Fire Prevention Bureau continues to assist community members with improving their property’s defensible space through efforts such as the Neighborhood Chipping Program. Approximately 160 residences have already participated in the 10-week program, resulting in 130 tons of hazardous vegetation being removed through chipping and another 35 tons of non-chippable vegetation. Montecito residents may schedule a complimentary defensible space survey by calling 805-969-7762.

To reduce the risk of roadside wildfire starts, 12 miles of weed abatement work has been completed along main evacuation corridors in Very High Fire Severity Zones of Montecito. The community’s main evacuation routes have also been improved by increasing overhead clearance to allow adequate access for emergency response vehicles.

Additionally, the Prevention Bureau has completed a 10-acre grazing project at Ennisbrook Open Space using sheep to reduce hazardous fuel loading in the area. The Ennisbrook Open Space is one of four areas in the Montecito Fire Protection District that have been selected for prescribed herbivory in 2023 due to the high risk for severe impacts from potential wildfires. The three other identified areas are on private land within the District.

We ask the community to join us in preparing for wildfire by reviewing your evacuation plan and building an emergency supply kit. Montecito Fire Department will host a Wildfire Preparedness Community Meeting on June 28, 2023 at 6 p.m. at El Montecito Presbyterian Church, 1455 East Valley Road. Residents are encouraged to attend to learn about evacuation planning, the Ready, Set, Go! guide and how to prepare for potential wildfires in our community.