SBC FIRE NEWS

In recent weeks, Santa Barbara has experienced some of its hottest heat waves in nearly 15 years. This Labor Day weekend, temperatures are forecasted to rise to well above average. During times of sunny, warm weather, many like to take the opportunity to get outdoors and go hiking. During our recent heatwave, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department responded to multiple calls for service due to heat-related illness for both humans and their dogs, resulting in several helicopter hoist rescues and the unfortunate death of a dog.

You never know when and where disaster will strike. Be sure to prepare for every member of your household well before an emergency takes place. Planning is the best way to ensure the safety and well-being of all of your loved ones and property.

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.

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department is excited to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website: www.sbcfire.com. Over the course of the last six months, the Fire Department has been working with local web designer Ameravant Web Design to create and develop a website that is not only educational to the public, but also provides residents with vital, up-to-date information during times of emergencies and disasters.

In years past, we have asked the public to leave the fireworks and pyrotechnic shows to the professionals. We recognize that due to the COVID19 pandemic those shows have been canceled in Santa Barbara County. This might entice people to purchase and put on their own fireworks shows.

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department would like to welcome its newest member, Rhonda, who is the Department’s first Emotional Support Canine. Rhonda was trained over a 9-month period to recognize signs of agitation, anxiety, and stress and interrupt those behaviors by providing affection and enabling individuals to express themselves in a safe environment.

The 2020 Santa Barbara County Unit Strategic Fire Plan is developed with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s Mission Statement in mind and intended to serve as a collaborative local planning document.

View the 2020 STRATEGIC FIRE PLAN (PDF)

SANTA BARBARA, Ca. June 5th, 2020 – It only takes a few seconds for a person to drown, and drowning accidents are the leading cause of death for children one to four years of age. Almost 70 percent of all drowning accidents occur in backyard swimming pools; however, people can drown in just a few inches of water. Santa Barbara County fire would like share these swimming pool safety tips.

SANTA BARBARA County, Calif. — The Santa Barbara County Fire Department has tentatively scheduled a range improvement burn at 4155 Figueroa Mountain Rd in Los Olivos with a burn window from June 10 and June 11th. The goal of this two-day burn is to provide live fire training for the certification of instructors to teach CA-219 Firing Operations class.