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 David Sadecki
Office: (805) 681-5531
Email: david.sadecki@sbcfire.com
For general information about the Fire Department, call 805 681-5500.
Public Education Section
Public Education Officer: Jodi Dyck
Office: (805) 681-5556
Cell: (805) 896-5134
Email: JMDyck@sbcfire.com
Ready! Set! Go! Wildfire Education Campaign
Ready! Set! Go! (RSG) was launched in May 2009 as a new approach to educating Southern California residents about the now year-round threat of wildfire. This public education program seeks to gain active public involvement in reducing life and property loss caused by wildfires. This program is presented in three steps:
Ready! Prepare youself, your family and your property.
Set! Monitor fire weather / activity and prepare to evacuate.
Go! Leave early when directed to by public safety officials.
This plan provides a strategic approach and a specific action plan to aid the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and other agencies in Sothern California in creating communications to reach each of its target audiences with one, unified message. This plan is endorsed by the Santa Barbara County Fire Chief’s Association.
Learn More About Ready! Set! Go!
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.
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.
"Defensible space is part of every homeowner’s responsibility."
