Press Releases

(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) – Winter weather conditions continue to be forecast for Santa Barbara County for Thursday, February 23 through Saturday, February 25. Extreme cold temperatures, snow at higher elevations, continued wind, localized flooding, and isolated thunderstorms are possible countywide.

MONTECITO, CA – Montecito Fire Chief Kevin Taylor announced today his upcoming retirement from the Montecito Fire Department after 35 years of service. Chief Taylor began his career in the fire service in 1987 and has served as Montecito Fire Chief since 2019. His last day as Fire Chief will be March 31, 2023.

MONTECITO, CA – Montecito Fire Department’s 14th annual Neighborhood Chipping Program will begin Feb. 13, 2023. This important fire prevention and preparedness program assists community members with increasing defensible space ahead of high wildfire season.

MONTECITO, CA – A wildfire detection camera is now installed on Ortega Ridge in Montecito, providing coverage of the eastern portion of the Santa Barbara front country. The ALERT California camera is part of a growing network of cameras across the western United States that help local, state and federal agencies better detect and suppress wildfires. 

MONTECITO, CA – Montecito Fire responded to a reported structure fire on the 900 block of Picacho Lane at 4:56 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023.

Montecito Local Assistance Center: English and Spanish speakers on site.
Saturday, January 21, 2023 Noon to 4 p.m.
Location: YMCA – 591 Santa Rosa Lane, Montecito, CA 

After thoughtful discussion, the Montecito Community Partnership Team has decided not to hold the Raising Our Light event this year. 

(SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif.) – Now is the time to prepare for the next storm system heading our way. With the current dry weather, public safety officials are asking Santa Barbara County residents to prepare for this weekend’s rain and potential impacts.  

(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) – The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with fire agencies and other public safety officials, has announced that as of 2:00 p.m. January 10, 2023, evacuation orders are lifted for the impacted areas of City of Carpinteria, Montecito, and City of Santa Barbara. Shelter in Place for impacted areas of the Cave Fire Burn Scar and Alisal Burn Scar and Foxen Canyon/Santa Maria Mesa/Tepusquet areas have also been lifted.