May 04, 2021 at 04:23 PM

MONTECITO, CA – The Montecito Fire Department, in partnership with all other local fire agencies, have declared today, May 3, the start of 2021 High Fire Season in Santa Barbara County. 

The 2021 High Fire Season starts two weeks earlier than in 2020. By this time last year, Montecito had received more than 17 inches of rain, according to the Santa Barbara County Flood Control District, marking an average rainfall year. So far in 2021, our community has received about 10 inches of rain, making this one of the driest rainfall years in the last decade. 

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

In preparation for High Fire Season, our firefighters have completed their annual wildland firefighting refresher training. Our stations within the Montecito Fire District will be fully staffed and ready to respond to community needs during High Fire Season. 

Our Fire Prevention Bureau continues their work to help community members improve defensible space at homes throughout Montecito. Our Neighborhood Chipping Program remains ongoing and information on how to participate is available on our website. We encourage Montecito residents to schedule a complimentary defensible space survey now by calling 805-969-7762. Starting June 1st, the Montecito Fire Department will begin annual property inspections. 

Please take a moment to review our updated “Ready! Set! Go!” educational guide, outlining what actions to take now to be prepared for wildfire. Together, this work will help ensure your family and home are ready for wildfire. To access the “Ready! Set! Go!” guide and other wildfire preparedness materials, please visit montecitofire.com.

For questions or media inquiries, please contact Christina Favuzzi, Public Information Officer at 805-680-5562.