The “Construction Section” is an intricate part of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department Fire Dept. It consists of five personnel, four Fire Equipment Operators and one “Swamper” (Fire Equipment Operator /Assistant).

The role of the section includes fire suppression and fire rehabilitation after suppression, overhaul support on structure incidents and fire roads / break maintenance. This section may also be called upon to assist during other emergencies such as floods, earthquakes, structure fires, urban search and rescue and more.

The Construction Section serves many other important functions for the Department as well such as; maintaining fire access roads, preparation for prescribed burns, hazard reduction projects, metal fabrication, chainsaw maintenance and repair, vehicle maintenance and repair, and many other special projects.

The Construction Section also saves the taxpayer’s money by coordinating with the Federal Excess Property program for the County Fire Department and all the other Fire Departments in the County. This property includes fire trucks, helicopters, ‘dozers, front loaders, forklifts, light utility vehicles, and many other items that are acquired from the Federal Government at no additional cost to County Tax payers.