The Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team is designed to provide supervision and control of essential functions at incidents where technical rescue expertise and equipment are required for safe and effective rescue operations.
USAR responses include earthquakes, cave-ins, floods, explosions, structural collapses or other complex extrication situations. USAR operations are unique in that specialized training and equipment are required to mitigate the emergency.
Santa Barbara County Fire Department (SBC FD) is part of USAR Regional Task Force Team 7. Along with other area USAR Teams, this resource is available to respond anywhere in the state of California. All personnel assigned to Stations 11, 12, 14, and 17 have received advanced training for this assignment.