Public Information Division
Public knowledge and preparation is our first line of defense in public safety!
If you need immediate information about a current event please tune in to your local television and radio stations.
Communicating effectively to the public, other public safety and government agencies and the media is one of our most valued tools for protecting lives, property and the environment in Santa Barbara County. The Office of Public Information aims to keep these parties informed, updated and aware during fire emergencies and throughout the year.
We also have an active Public Education Section within the Public Information Division. Our primary goal is to educate our diverse population on the consequences of fire and injury as well as the means to avoid them. With a hands on approach, we strive to get the word out to everyone in the communities that we serve.
For News Releases and other information please vist our News Releases page.
Public Information Officer: Captain Eli Iskow
Office: (805) 681-5531
Email: eli.iskow@sbcfire.com
Public Education Section
Public Education Officer: Rob Lauderdale
Office: (805) 681-5556
Cell: (805) 896-5134
Email: rlauderdale@sbcfire.com
2008 Fire Season Information
Wildfire Action Plan
We strongly recommend that you evacuate when told to do so by authorities. Your property can be replaced, but your life cannot.
We are launching a guide to address situations where you are not able to get out safely in time. It can help homeowners to be prepared for those quick-starting fast-moving fires, like the Painted Cave, Sycamore and Sedgwick fires, that are the most dangerous to lives and property here in Santa Barbara County. These types of fires can cause entrapment in your own home. Please Download this guide to develop your Wildfire Action Plan. Go through the checklists and help your family to be better prepared to survive this event should it ever occur in your neighborhood.
Fire Resistive Construction Recommendations
Houses protect people if people protect houses!
It is very important to realize that although no (livable!) house is fire proof, there are steps you can take to make it a lot more fire-safe! Some changes can be done very quickly and inexpensively. Others may require more effort, expense, and in some cases professional help.
In conjunction with your Wildfire Action Plan, we suggest you visit the California Homeowner's Wildfire Mitigation Guide which includes recommendations for Fire Resistive Construction for home improvements, repairs, additions and maintenance.
We recommend that you visit this web site to find information on each specific item by clicking on the individual picture icons listed there. Plus, these two additional links have information about your roof or other vulnerable parts of your home and include information on other possible problems and solutions that can make your home a safer refuge during a wildfire.
These recommendations are in compliance with County and State Building and Fire Codes and are offered with permission by the University of California Cooperative Extension.
Sign Up for Red Flag Alerts
A Red Flag Fire Alert is a wildfire danger warning.
A Red Flag Alert in your area means that the combinations of terrain, weather and fuel moisture are at hazardous levels and could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity. Be prepared and Click Here to Sign Up for Red Flag Alerts.
The Red Flag Alert Plan utilizes available Santa Barbara County Fire Department forces, cooperating fire agencies, citizen groups, and the news media to inform the public of high fire danger, the potential for a major wildfire, and the need to be aware of and exercise fire safe practices during these periods.
Protect Your Home From Wildfire
Learn more about how you can Prepare for Fire Season!
Being prepared for the next wildfire means taking the personal responsibility to protect yourself, your family, and your property. The most critical person in preparing and protecting your life and property is not the firefighter, but you, the property owner.
Defensible Space
In order to reduce wildfire potential, and as a part of the Department’s Defensible Space and Hazard Reduction program the Santa Barbara County Fire Department sends notices to abate fire hazards to the owners of all properties in county fire jurisdiction that potentially pose a fire hazard. These notices indicate the start of yearly weed abatement requirements.
It is not a matter of “if” another wildfire will occur in our area, but “when”.
