The Santa Barbara County Sheriff-Fire Air Support Unit (ASU) is pleased to announce the arrival of Copter 964, a 2004 Sikorsky HH-60L “Firehawk” helicopter. Since its purchase in 2019, the Firehawk has been stationed in Alabama, where it has undergone a retrofit with all-new state-of-the-art avionics, paint, and a new rescue hoist.

Santa Barbara County Fire Department Investigators determined the Hollister Fire which started on Thursday, May 7th 2020, at 0213, was caused by Southern California Edison electrical conductors (power lines).

The XSB Urban Search and Rescue Regional Task Force (RTF-12), composed of firefighters from the Santa Barbara County operational area, have just returned from deployment to the North Complex Fire in Northern California. RTF-12 was assigned to search the remnants of homes destroyed by the fire for human remains.

RED FLAG WARNING FOR SANTA BARBARA SOUTH COAST AND MOUNTAINS FROM 6PM TODAY UNTIL 9AM THURSDAY.

The Alamos Fire that occurred on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at approximately 3:00 pm was caused by an individual mowing dried vegetation and brush with a tractor mower.

SANTA BARBARA, CA
Santa Barbara County Fire Department fire investigators have determined the cause of the “Lito Fire” (Miguelito Canyon) on September 7th 2020, to be a result of recreational target shooting.

SANTA BARBARA, Ca. September 8, 2020 –
Out of an abundance of caution due to COVID-19, the Fire Department has decided to conduct a virtual 9/11 ceremony this year. To watch the live broadcast, we are asking the public to either go to KEYT.com, or watch on the My Network TVchannel which is Cox Communications Channel 13 in Santa Barbara County.

SANTA BARBARA, Ca. September 2, 2020 – Nineteen years ago, on September 11, 2001, the United States was attacked when terrorists crashed planes into the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington DC and another in a Pennsylvania field. We will never forget the terrible tragedy that occurred that day.

Part of living in a Mediterranean climate and enjoying the benefits of our adjacent natural environment, is the responsibility to be prepared to deal with the wildland fires which frequent the area. In 1997, a local group formed to strengthen the bond between the fire service agencies and private citizens and to help community members prepare for future wildfires. The Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council continues to this day with the same mission it has had for 23 years - to promote wildfire safety in Santa Barbara County through education and action

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department is saddened to announce the passing of our canine fire family member, Riley. Riley served as the department’s accelerant detection/arson canine for seven years. Riley was diagnosed with a non-work related brain tumor in April of 2020.