Wildfire prevention and mitigation is a critical component of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department mission. Wildfire is a natural process that occurs in virtually all vegetation types on a recurring basis. Much of the native vegetation in Santa Barbara County is fire adapted and is dependent on fire for regeneration. While the benefits of fire on the ecology is well researched, uncontrolled fire can have severe adverse impacts to society. The Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Section employs multiple programs to prevent and mitigate the adverse impacts of wildfire. These programs include:

• Defensible Space

• Pre-Fire Planning

• Permit Burning

• Vegetation Management

• Wildfire Predictive Services