Montecito Fire

08/26/2026

Montecito Fire Marshal Aaron Briner speaks with KSBY about the new Zone Zero requirements and how community members can schedule a free inspection to make sure their properties are ready for wildfire.

California requires up to 100 feet of defensible space around homes in high fire-risk areas, with new Zone Zero rules now being phased in for existing homes.

08/24/2026

🇺🇸 The community is invited to join us Friday, September 11, at either of our Montecito Fire stations to remember the lives lost 25 years ago on September 11, 2001.

The ceremony will begin at 6:55 a.m. We will ring the bells at 6:59 a.m., coinciding with the time the South Tower collapsed. We will lower the flag and observe a moment of silence. Coffee and refreshments will be provided.

Station 91: 595 San Ysidro Road
Station 92: 2300 Sycamore Canyon Road

We will never forget.🤍

08/21/2026

Welcome home Engine 391! Captain Jordan Zeitsoff, Firefighter Steve Cochran, Firefighter Charles Spencer and Firefighter Tyler McManigal deployed to the Timber Fire in the Monterey and Big Sur area two weeks ago with a strike team of firefighters from Santa Barbara City, Santa Maria City, Vandenberg and Carpinteria-Summerland Fire.

Montecito Fire continues to support the wildfire mutual aid system across the west. Four of our personnel are currently deployed to incidents in Washington, New Mexico and California.

Our stations in Montecito are fully staffed. As we remain ready to respond to emergencies, please take time to review your emergency plans. Find resources and information at montecitofire.com.

08/13/2026

🔥Montecito Fire Department personnel have been assisting with wildfire operations across the Western United States, supporting communities and fire crews on the front lines in Northern California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and New Mexico.

We have teams currently assigned to:
• Old Trails Fire — Spokane, WA
• Timber Fire — Big Sur, CA
• MP 18 — Humboldt County, CA
• Frijoles Fire — New Mexico

We’re proud of our firefighters for stepping up to help protect lives, property, and communities beyond our own backyard. Stay safe out there! 🚒🔥❤️

07/27/2026

🚒 Upcoming Recruitment – Firefighter/EMT & Firefighter/Paramedic

Montecito Fire Department anticipates opening an entry-level Firefighter/EMT and Firefighter/Paramedic recruitment in November 2026.

If you're interested in joining our team, now is the time to prepare by reviewing the anticipated qualifications and application requirements.

For more information, visit our Human Resources page: https://www.montecitofire.com/human-resources

The official job announcement, application dates, and instructions will be posted on our website and NEOGOV when the recruitment opens.

07/26/2026

The Montecito Fire Protection District has a vacancy on its Board of Directors.

An applicant must reside within the boundaries of the Montecito Fire Protection District and be a registered voter of the District.

The appointee must run in the General Elections in November 2026 to retain the appointed seat, and preference will be given to those willing to run.

Interested persons should submit a cover letter with a detailed resume to the Montecito Fire Protection District at Station 91 no later than August 10, 2026 by 4:00 p.m. or by email to: [email protected]

Interviews for the position will be conducted by the Board of Directors at a public meeting on August 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

For more information: https://www.montecitofire.com/notice-of-vacancy-montecito-fire-protection-district-board-director

07/22/2026

⚠️Driver Advisory⚠️
Please use extra caution when driving on San Ysidro Road near Montecito Union School, Hot Springs Road near Casa Dorinda, and on North Jameson between San Ysidro and Olive Mill Road.

Road repairs are underway by Santa Barbara County Roads to address traction concerns. Drivers may experience reduced traction in areas where roadway treatment has been applied. Warning signs are being posted, and additional work is expected in the coming days.

Please slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and drive carefully through these areas.

07/20/2026

Today, we honored Firefighter/Paramedic Ryland McCracken for his 20 years of dedicated service to the Montecito Fire Department and our community.

Fire Chief Fallon presented Firefighter/Paramedic McCracken with a 20-year service pin, which he will wear on his badge to recognize this significant milestone.

Congratulations, Firefighter/Paramedic McCracken! Thank you for your commitment and service. We also extend our sincere gratitude to his family for their support and for being with us to celebrate this special occasion.

07/14/2026

🚩RED FLAG WARNING🚩

📍Location: Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast and Eastern Santa Ynez Range - this includes the mountains above Montecito
⏰ Timing: 12 PM Wednesday - 9 AM Thursday
💨 Conditions: Wind gusts 35-55 mph and critically dry
⚠️ Under these conditions, fires will grow rapidly and behave erratically. Be ready to evacuate in the event of a vegetation fire.

🔸 PREPARE NOW 🔸
⚡ High winds may cause power outages. Check sce.com for outage & Public Safety Power Shutoff information.
🔌 Keep your phones and important electronics charged.
🚘 If you park your car inside a garage, ensure you can open the garage door manually (if power is off) or park outside.
🚨Consider your evacuation routes - know 2 ways out!
🥾Reconsider recreating on trails. During high winds, aircraft may not be able to fly whether to hoist out an injured hiker or drop water on a wildfire.
Emergency incidents on trails may deplete resources for rescue operations.

🔹 BE VIGILANT 🔹
📲 If you see or smell smoke or flames, call 911 immediately.
🔗 Register for ReadySBC Alerts at ReadySBC.org

07/13/2026

San Ysidro Trail Rescue - July 12, 2026

Just after 4:00 p.m. Sunday, Montecito Fire responded to the San Ysidro Trail for an injured hiker.

A hiker slipped and fell about 50 feet off the San Ysidro Trail yesterday and sustained head lacerations. Squad 91 and Engine 91 personnel hiked to the patient and provided treatment. The patient was flown to Cottage Hospital by Santa Barbara County Helicopter 308. AMR and Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue responded to the rescue as well.