NEWS RELEASE
High Fire Season Preparedness and Response Levels Declared in Santa Barbara County
SANTA BARBARA, Ca. – The Santa Barbara County Fire Department (SBC Fire) and local fire jurisdictions join forces to announce the commencement of the 2023 High Fire Season for all areas of Santa Barbara County, effective June 5th, 2023. With the onset of this season, SBC Fire will suspend all burn permits issued for residential burning and hazard reduction, while simultaneously increasing the deployment of vital resources to combat vegetation fires.
During the High Fire Season, it is crucial for residents, workers, and visitors in Santa Barbara County to exercise heightened awareness and prioritize fire safety. SBC Fire underscores the following key measures to ensure public safety:
- Maintain Vegetation Clearance: Individuals are advised to maintain proper vegetation clearance around structures to minimize fire risks.
- Review and become acquainted with the “Ready! Set! Go!” wildfire action plan, which outlines crucial steps for preparedness and response in the event of a wildfire. For more details, please visit www.sbcfire.com.
- Wildfire smoke and ash contain very small particles called particulate matter, which harm the lungs and heart. The best protection against wildfire smoke is to stay indoors as much as possible, ideally in a well-sealed “clean air room” with an air purifier. The Air Pollution Control District (APCD) provides instructions to create a “clean air room” on their website. APCD’s website also provides countywide hourly air quality conditions. People are also encouraged to sign up for Air Quality Alerts issued during wildfires.
SBC Fire urges all community members to remain proactive and diligent in implementing fire safety practices during this High Fire Season. By working together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of Santa Barbara County and its residents.
The public is also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at ReadySBC.org.
From L-R: Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown, USFS LPF Div. 4 Chief Michael Scott, Cal Fire San Luis Obispo Unit Chief John Owens, Santa Barbara County Fire Chief / Fire Warden Mark Hartwig, President of the Santa Barbara County Fire Chief’s Association and Santa Barbara City Fire Chief Chris Mailes, Santa Barbara County 1st District Supervisor and Chair Das Williams, 3rd District Supervisor and Fire Safe Council Board of Director Joan Hartmann, 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps, Montecito Fire Protection District Fire Chief David Neels, City of Santa Maria Fire Chief Bradley Dandridge, and Carpinteria/Summerland Fire Protection District Fire Chief Greg Fish.
Contact Information:
Captain Scott Safechuck
Public Information Officer
Cell 805-896-6336
Email [email protected]
Twitter @SBCFireInfo
Serving the cities of Buellton, Goleta, and Solvang, and the Communities of Casmalia, Cuyama, Gaviota, Hope Ranch,Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Mission Canyon, Mission Hills, Orcutt, Santa Maria, Sisquoc, and Vandenberg Village