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Montecito Firefighters Participate in Library Story time

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Montecito Firefighters Participate in Library Story time

January 30, 2012 - Montecito Fire District Firefighters partnered with the Montecito Branch of the Santa Barbara Library System earlier today to read books to pre-school aged children.

Captain Travis Ederer, Engineer Mike Elliott, Firefighter Ben Hauser, Firefighter Sarah Bumanglag and Paramedic-Firefighter Kurt Hickman spent the morning reading Firefighter and fire station themed stories. After the stories were read, the ...


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Overturned Vehicle - 1600 Blk E. Valley Rd - Driver texting

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Overturned Vehicle - 1600 Blk E. Valley Rd - Driver texting

Jan. 9, 2012 - The Montecito Fire Protection District responded to a reported overturned vehicle at Live Oak and East Valley Road at 3:00 p.m.

Upon arrival, Montecito Fire personnel found a silver 2000 Honda Civic EX overturned and blocking both directions of traffic in ...


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Fireplace, Wood Stove, and Space Heater Safety!

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Fireplace, Wood Stove, and Space Heater Safety!

There's nothing more cozy than building a fire in the fireplace on a chilly night. Before you put the kindling in the fireplace or turn on that space heater, here are some things to consider.

We've all seen the Chimney Sweep sing on the roof tops in Mary Poppins, but when was the last time you had your chimney cleaned? ...


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Montecito Fire is Collecting Toys for Unity Shoppe/Toys for Tots

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Montecito Fire is Collecting Toys for Unity Shoppe/Toys for Tots

Dec. 8, 2011 Please join us in collecting toys during this Holiday Season by dropping off a new UNWRAPPED toy for a child or teen to either of our two fire stations. (No used toys, clothing or food will be collected at these locations.)

  • 595 San Ysidro Road
  • 2300 Sycamore Canyon Road

Unity Shoppe has joined with Toys ...


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Holiday Season Safety Tips

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Holiday Season Safety Tips

Each year fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 people, injure 1,650 more, and cause over $990 million in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce ...


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Fire Board Selects New Fire Chief

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Fire Board Selects New Fire Chief

MONTECITO, CA - Battalion Chief Stephen (Chip) Hickman has been selected by the Montecito Fire Protection District Board as the new Fire Chief to succeed Fire Chief Kevin Wallace who will retire on May 31, 2012.

"While I am saddened that the District will be losing Chief Wallace, I'm very happy that we have selected one from our own ...


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Montecito Firefighters supporting Men's Cancer Awareness

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Montecito Firefighters supporting Men's Cancer Awareness

On October 31st, participating Fire District Employees shaved off their facial hair to participate in Movember. Movember (moustache November) is a global movement that helps to raise funds and awareness for men's health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.

The pictures of our clean shaven participants have be posted to the Montecito Firemen's Association webpage and Facebook ...


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At 10:20 a.m. on October 20, 2011, MERRAG will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in The Great California ShakeOut

Posted by Geri Ventura -
At 10:20 a.m. on October 20, 2011, MERRAG will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in The Great California ShakeOut

At 10:20 a.m. on October 20, 2011, millions of Californians will "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" in The Great California ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill ever! Montecito Fire and MERRAG are encouraging you to

participate in this drill.

Please join us by registering at: http://www.shakeout.org/register/

Participation is simple: Tune to AM 1610 at 10:20 AM on October ...


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Montecito Fire provides fire education to local schools during Fire Prevention Week

Posted by MFPD -
Montecito Fire provides fire education to local schools during Fire Prevention Week

October 3, 2011 - In honor of Fire Prevention Week, The Montecito Fire District will be teaching fire safety to elementary school children within the Montecito Community.

From October 3rd through October 14th, fire engine companies will visit seven schools, educating over 800 children how to be prepared in the case of an emergency. Topics will cover how to react ...


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MONTECITO FIRE AND LA CASA DE MARIA RETREAT CENTER ENTER AGREEMENT FOR REMOTE WEATHER STATION INSTALLATION

Posted by Geri Ventura -
MONTECITO FIRE AND LA CASA DE MARIA RETREAT CENTER ENTER AGREEMENT FOR REMOTE WEATHER STATION INSTALLATION

The Montecito Fire Protection District and La Casa de Maria Retreat Center entered into a cooperative agreement last month for the installation of a second Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS). The National Weather Service and the US Forest Service also contributed greatly in a collaborative effort with the District and La Casa de Maria in making this local RAWS installation ...


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“Day of Remembrance” in memory of the 10thAnniversary of September 11th, 2001

Posted by Geri Ventura -
“Day of Remembrance” in memory of the 10thAnniversary of September 11th, 2001

Date: Sunday, September 11tth, 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens - 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA

This special event will honor the first responders and over 3000 civilian lives lost that day, along with our military members who have perished fighting the terrorism behind the attacks.

The ceremony ...


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Safe Surrendered Baby Program

Posted by Jackie Jenkins -

MONTECITO, CA - The Montecito Fire Protection District has implemented the Safely Surrendered Baby Program. In California, the Safely Surrendered Baby Law allows an individual to safely give up an unwanted infant with no fear of arrest or prosecution for abandonment as long as the baby has not been abused or neglected.

The Safely Surrendered Baby Law (SSB) was implemented ...


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New State Law Requires the installation of Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Posted by Geri Ventura -
New State Law Requires the installation of Carbon Monoxide Detectors

A new state law was recently enacted that requires carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in all new and existing single-family homes.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that kills more than 500 Americans every year. To minimize Carbon monoxide exposure, never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, or ...


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Montecito Firemen's Association Annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast.

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Montecito Firemen's Association Annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast.

June 27, 2011 - Please join the Montecito Firemen's Association Monday, July 4, 2011 at the Annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast.

Pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice, coffee, and milk will be served by your local firefighters from 7:30 am to 10:30 am at Fire District Headquarters, 595 San Ysidro Rd.

Tickets are $8 each and can be purchased at the ...


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Montecito Fire Honors Marborg Industries

Posted by Jackie Jenkins -
Montecito Fire Honors Marborg Industries

Montecito Fire Protection District is honoring MarBorg Industries for their contribution in supporting Fire Hazard Reduction programs in Montecito.

MarBorg Industries and the Fire District have been partners in Defensible Space/Survivable Space Fuel Reduction Programs over the past several years. Neighborhood driven fuel reduction projects have been accomplished with a focus on improving access roads and reducing the amount of ...


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Montecito Fire & Santa Barbara City Fire Celebrate New Recruit Academy Graduation

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Montecito Fire & Santa Barbara City Fire Celebrate New Recruit Academy Graduation

April 8, 2011 - The Santa Barbara City Fire Department and the Montecito Fire Protection District are proud to announce the graduation of 12 new recruits on Friday, April 8th at 1:00 pm at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Patrick Irey, Renzo Durbiano, Isaac Siegel, Alex Kargbo, Gabe Donald, Mark Kramer, Jason Fernandes, Ryan Ortiz, Dan Warren, and ...


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Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness Training

Posted by Geri Ventura -

Due to overwhelming demand we have scheduled an additional Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness Training Session!

WHEN:
APRIL 11, 2011
4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.

WHERE:
EL MONTECITO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1455 EAST VALLEY ROAD
MONTECITO, CA 93108

This training is to educate the Montecito community how to better prepare themselves ...


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Montecito Fire Adds another tool to their Emergency Notification System

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Montecito Fire Adds another tool to their Emergency Notification System

REVISED September 27, 2010- The Montecito Fire Protection District has added a new emergency notification system to its arsenal of information dissemination. Residents who live within the Montecito Fire Protection District boundaries are now able to purchase a tone alert radio from Ambient Control Systems for their home or office. This radio, called HomeALERT, will transmit an up to 90 ...


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Montecito Fire Announces Recent New Hires, Promotions and Retirements

Posted by Richard Lauritson -

The Montecito Fire District would like to announce the following retirements, promotions, new hires:

The retirement of James Langhorne brought an end to a 29 year chapter in the Montecito Fire District's history. Division Chief Langhorne started as a Firefighter and retired as the Fire Marshal. The development of the Montecito community was guided by his hand and unique vision ...


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Great California Shakeout 2010

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Great California Shakeout 2010

October 28, 2009 - The Montecito Fire Protection District facilitated MERRAG's participation in the Great California Shakeout last week to test the community's preparedness for a large scale earthquake.

MERRAG is the Montecito Community volunteer group organized to assist the Fire District and other local agencies during emergencies. MERRAG members attend monthly training sessions to learn disaster preparedness for themselves ...


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Do you know what you would take if you only had 10 minutes to evacuate?

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Do you know what you would take if you only had 10 minutes to evacuate?

August 9, 2010 - An insurance company recently tested 2 families to see how they would do if given 10 minutes to gather their things and evacuate.

We should all know by now that the luxury of having even 10 minutes may not be an option in the event of a wildfire.

We'd like you to take a ...


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Montecito Fire Initiates New Information Delivery System

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Montecito Fire Initiates New Information Delivery System

After experiencing two devastating fires over the past year, the Tea Fire and the Jesusita Fire, Montecito Fire has taken input from the community, and realizes that providing timely, accurate information is critical during emergencies.

In an effort to increase the access to this critical information, Montecito Fire Protection District is now utilizing NIXLE to disseminate Emergency Alerts and other ...


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Extreme Heat Advisories. Be aware of the symptoms of heat related illnesses.

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Extreme Heat Advisories. Be aware of the symptoms of heat related illnesses.

Many local areas have been issued Extreme Heat Advisories. When the outdoor temperatures reach into the 90's or higher, prolonged sun exposure may cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The following information is provided by the CDC to assist you with information on how to protect yourself and your family during this hot weather.

DURING HOT WEATHER

...


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MONTECITO VOTERS OVERWHELMINGLY APPROVE MEASURE M2010

Posted by Geri Ventura -
MONTECITO VOTERS OVERWHELMINGLY APPROVE MEASURE M2010

July 13, 2010 - Voters in the Montecito Fire Protection District once again approved an all mailed ballot measure allowing the District to spend all of what it collects in property tax revenues. The measure easily passed with voter turnout at 34.21 percent. 1,868 of nearly 5,800 registered voters voted in favor of the measure and 141 opposed, giving an ...


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Commonly asked Questions Re: Reverse 911

Posted by GSVentura -
Commonly asked Questions Re: Reverse 911

Q. When will R911 be used to contact me?
A. We may call you with information updates that pertain to your neighborhood.We may call you to invite you to a community meeting. We may call to give you health advisories. We may call you for evacuation warnings or orders.

Q. How does R911 call my phone?
A. R911 is a ...


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MFD responds to a Structure Fire at 1165 Summit Rd.

Posted by Geri Ventura -
MFD responds to a Structure Fire at 1165 Summit Rd.

June 29, 2010 - The Montecito Fire Protection District responded to a reported structure fire at 1165 Summit Rd at 1:05 p.m. The call to 911 was made by resident. Upon arrival, MFD found smoke charged throughout the structure. The fire originated in a mechanical room in the basement and was contained to an area of approximately 200 square ...


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All local Santa Barbara fire jurisdictions declare 2010 High Fire Season to begin 6/14/2010 at 8:00am.

Posted by Geri Ventura -
All local Santa Barbara fire jurisdictions declare 2010 High Fire Season to begin 6/14/2010 at 8:00am.

On June 14 at 8:00 am, Santa Barbara County Fire, in conjunction with the Montecito Fire Protection District and all other local fire jurisdictions, will declare the beginning of the 2010 High Fire Season.

While we have had the typical "June Gloom" weather pattern in the front country, and in Montecito, it has been increasingly warmer and drier behind our ...


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Ready! Set! Go! Your Wildfire Action Plan

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Ready! Set! Go! Your Wildfire Action Plan

There is no mistaking it - We live in a fire prone environment. Get prepared NOW! Check out our Ready!Set!Go! Program.

Wildland fires have always been a part of Montecito's natural environment. Due to development in the wild land environment, properties have taken on more of a risk.

We know that there are never enough fire apparatus and equipment ...


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National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 4/11-4/17

Posted by Geri Ventura -

This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and we at Montecito Fire would like you to join us in thanking our dispatchers - Jackie and Paty for their hard work and dedication to providing excellent service to our firefighters and our community.

Jackie and Paty - your contributions do not go unnoticed!

Thank you for professionalism and for being ...


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Take our new survey: How Prepared Are YOU?

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Take our new survey: How Prepared Are YOU?

With the recent earthquakes in Haiti, Chile, and now Mexico, it is important to review the steps you have taken to be prepared.

Disasters cannot be predicted - but you can prepare for them in advance.

Montecito Fire and MERRAG have combined efforts to create a brief survey so that we can find out how prepared our community is, and ...


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Structure Fire at 2395 Bella Vista, Montecito

Posted by Geri Ventura -

The Montecito Fire Protection District responded to a reported structure fire at 2395 Bella Vista Rd at 10:02 a.m. The call was made by the resident.

Upon arrival, Montecito Fire personnel found smoke coming from a 500 square foot guest house. The resident reported that there were no occupants in the structure. The fire was knocked down at 10:24 a.m.

...


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MONTECITO FIRE TO TEST AUDIBLE EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

Posted by Geri Ventura -
MONTECITO FIRE TO TEST AUDIBLE EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

Friday January 29th the Montecito Fire Protection District will be conducting a TEST of Audible Emergency Notification System (Sirens).

This test is scheduled for Friday January 29th between 11:00 AM and 12:00 Noon.

The equipment will be temporally located in the East Mountain Drive area between Coyote and Cold Springs Roads.

Local residents will hear a siren, followed ...


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Residents Urged to Prepare for Upcoming Predicted Weather Events

Posted by Geri Ventura -

As the predictions are coming in from NOAA/NWS about next week's weather patterns, Motnecito Fire urges residents to PREPARE properties NOW for the rain and wind, before the predicted weather events arrive.

Be sure to clean out your rain gutters before the storms, and bring in patio furniture and other items outside that can blow away or be carried by ...


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Monecito Union School provides Earthquake PSA to MFD for Radio and Web

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Monecito Union School provides Earthquake PSA to MFD for Radio and Web

January 6, 2010 - The Montecito Fire Protection District is excited to incorporate the efforts of Montecito Union School songwriter's class into their website's Disaster Preparedness page and Community Informational Radio Station 1680 AM.

"Drop, Take Cover, and Hold On", is a song written as a public service announcement, that educates citizens on what to do during an earthquake. ...


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Holiday Season Safety Tips

Posted by Geri Vemtura -
Holiday Season Safety Tips

Each year fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 people, injure 1,650 more, and cause over $990 million in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce ...


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Montecito Fire District Receives Grant to Prevent Wildfires

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Montecito Fire District Receives Grant to Prevent Wildfires

December 1, 2009 - Momentous Insurance Brokerage and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company presented Montecito Fire District a $25,182 check today to support our wildfire prevention efforts and brush clearing in the community.

The grant money will specifically be used to fill a budget shortfall in funding for the district's annual brush clearing efforts. Annually, the district spends about $130,000 ...


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Fire Behavior - 1st Article in a Series

Posted by Jeff Saley (photo credit: Ray Ford) -
Fire Behavior - 1st Article in a Series

How fire "behaves" - or misbehaves - is due to some very basic physical and chemical processes. We will try not to bore you with this short explanation of these basics, but it's important to you as a property owner in planning what to do with your property to make it more fire resistant and defensible.

Combustion and Heat Transfer

...


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Montecito Fire District Receives $25,000 Donation from Local Resident

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Montecito Fire District Receives $25,000 Donation from Local Resident

September 29, 2009 - Montecito Fire Protection District recently received 2 cash donations totaling $25,000 from Montecito resident Sergey Grishin to purchase thermal imager cameras for firefighters to use when entering burning buildings.

Mr. Grishin approached the Fire District offering to provide funds for needed fire equipment that could not be purchased within the current budget year.

Battalion Chief Glen ...


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STRUCTURE FIRE 1483 EAST VALLEY RD, MONTECITO

Posted by Geri Ventura -

August 17, 2009 - The Montecito Fire Protection District responded to a reported structure fire at Via Vai Restaurant, 1483 East Valley Rd at 0351 a.m.

Upon arrival, Montecito Fire personnel found column of heavy smoke coming from the rear of the business. The fire did not extend into the interior of the building and was knocked down at 0412 ...


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How to deal with smoke and ash exposure

Posted by GSVentura -
How to deal with smoke and ash exposure

Keep your doors, windows and dampers closed. Stay indoors to minimize exposure -- especially if you have respiratory ailments. Here are some other things to consider when dealing with large amounts of ash fall:

Wash ash off children's toys before children play with them.

Clean ash off house pets.

Wear gloves, long sleeved shirts, and long pants and avoid skin ...


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How Air Resources Are Utilized On Wildland Fires

Posted by Geri Ventura -
How Air Resources Are Utilized On Wildland Fires

Click Here for a printable version of this information

We are asked this over and over again. Why can't we just put this fire out with water and retardant drops ?

When a fire burns in extremely dry brush, it is a difficult animal to cage. Often there are areas that haven't burned in many years.

Fires that ...


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H1N1 Influenza Pandemic Alert raised to Phase 6

Posted by Geri Ventura -

On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the level of influenza pandemic alert to phase 6, which indicates the start of an actual pandemic. This change reflects the spread of the influenza A(H1N1) virus, not its severity. Although currently the pandemic is of moderate severity with the majority of patients experiencing mild symptoms and making a rapid ...


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Neighbor and Resident Extinguish Garage Fire

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Neighbor and Resident Extinguish Garage Fire

June 1, 2009 - The Montecito Fire Protection District responded to a reported structure fire at 145 Santa Isabella at 12:25 p.m. on May 31, 2009.

Upon arrival, Montecito Fire personnel found that resident Keven Vickers and neighbor Thomas Tighe had successfully extinguished the fire prior to arrival.

Mr. Vickers and Mr. Tighe were across the street when Mr. Tighe's ...


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Jesusita Fire Information

Posted by Geri Ventura -

Click Here for Jesusita Fire Information Updates



Sundowner Winds and Santa Ana's

Posted by Geri Ventura -

What makes a Sundowner wind event different than a Santa Ana wind event? I contacted Ryan Kittell of the National Weather Service earlier this year, and this is what he had to say:

Sundowners are a different beast caused by a different weather pattern than Santa Anas, but they do act in a similar way.

Santa Ana ...


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Wild Fire Awareness Week

Posted by Geri Ventura -

May 2-9, 2009 is Wildfire Awareness Week - Do you know what to do if a wildfire occurs where you live?

While California's long, hot and dry summers offer us fantastic weather for many fun activities, they also provide optimal conditions for one of our state's biggest dangers - wildfires. In 2008, we experienced some of the most devastating fires ...


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Swine Influenza and You

Posted by Geri Ventura -

Updated May 1, 2009, 5:00 pm- Please check the CDC's website for the most current and up to date information on the Swine Flu epidemic: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/whatsnew.htm

The Santa Barbara Public Health Department has also established a Phone Line for the public to call for updates at (888) 722-6358.

For more information on Swine Flu

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MERRAG is What's Right in the Community

Posted by Geri Ventura -
MERRAG is What's Right in the Community

April 23, 2009 - KEYT News anchor Paula Lopez (Santa Barbara Channel 3) recently did a segment called "What's Right in the Community" featuring MERRAG.

Click Here to see why they felt MERRAG is Right in the Community!

MERRAG continues to provide the Montecito Community with educational information and training to participate in local community events ...


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Series of California Earthquakes Heightens Alert for Bigger Quakes to Come

Posted by Geri Ventura -

1-5% chance of 7.0 Magnitude Quake or Bigger in next few Days Along San Andreas Fault, According to California Emergency Management Agency

March 26, 2009 - The Santa Barbara County Chapter of the American Red Cross announced that the California Emergency Management Agency issued a warning to operational Red Cross areas throughout the state yesterday after a 4.8 magnitude ...


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Defensible Space Grant provided by Firemen's Fund Insurance

Posted by Geri Ventura -

March 10, 2009 Montecito Fire Protection District has received a $5,000.00 grant from Firemen's Fund Insurance in support of their Neighborhood Defensible Space Program.

The objective is to create defensible/survivable space by reducing the volume of FLAMMABLE VEGETATION on private property as well as hillsides and access roads within local neighborhoods.

Participating residents receive educational help from fire ...


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CHANGE YOUR CLOCK CHANGE YOUR BATTERY

Posted by Geri Ventura -

March 6, 2009 - For 21-years the International Association of Fire Chiefs, in cooperation with the National Fire Protection Association, has promoted the Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery program. Smoke Detectors Save Lives has been the theme phrase used by Fire Protection Professional for the past 40-years.

The following statistics point to the vital importance of having a ...


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Montecito Fire District Answers Tea Fire Forum Questions

Posted by Geri Ventura -

February 13, 2009 - Montecito Fire Officials have responded to questions posed to the Montecito Association before and after the Tea Fire Forum held on Monday, January 26, at El Montecito Presbyterian Church. There were some questions posed at the Forum that were outside Montecito Fire District's jurisdiction, which were forwarded to the appropriate agency to respond.


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Weather Service Updates

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Weather Service Updates

February 9, 2009 - An experimental service is now being offered by the National Weather Service referred to as "iNWS" that will email or text message an alert if there are weather hazards in any given area that you choose to be notified about. (You can select multiple areas, and multiple "hazards" to be alerted to.)Keep in mind that if ...


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STRUCTURE FIRE 860 Picacho Lane

Posted by Geri Ventura -

FEB 3, 2009. The Montecito Fire Protection District responded to a reported structure fire at 860 Picacho Lane at 8:21 a.m.

Upon arrival, Montecito Fire personnel found active fire in the attic area of a 7500 square foot, two story, single family residence.

There are 3 engines, 1 squad, several command vehicles and over 15 firefighters on scene ...


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Tea Fire Community Forum

Posted by Geri Ventura -
Tea Fire Community Forum

Monday, January 26, 2009, 7-9PM
El Montecito Presbyterian Church
1455 East Valley Road

What Happend? What Have We Learned?

You are invited to join us in a panel discussion with:

  • MONTECITO FIRE DISTRICT/ MERRAG
  • S.B. COUNTY SHERIFF
  • S.B. POLICE DEPARTMENT
  • CA HIGHWAY PATROL
  • MONTECITO WATER DISTRICT

    For more info, please call the Montecito Association

  • Exhibition Basketball Game to Benefit Tea Fire Victims

    Posted by Geri Ventura -

    December 16, 2008 - The Santa Barbara Breakers and Montecito Fire Protection District are announcing a Benefit Basketball Game to help raise funds for Tea Fire Victims.

    Montecito Firefighters are practicing for the Sunday, December 21 contest, to be played at the Westmont College Murchison Gymnasium.

    Tipoff is will be at 4:00 pm. The Firefighters opponents will be ...


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    Winter Weather Preparedness

    Posted by GSVentura -
    Winter Weather Preparedness

    What to do when winter weather is predicted

    • Clean out your rain gutters and drains, removing leaves, branches and other debris.
    • Turn off automated sprinkler systems when rain is expected.
    • Lower the level in your swimming pool, so it is less likely to overflow during heavy rain. The chlorinated pool water can be harmful to your grass
    • Store ...


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    DOUGLAS FOUNDATION DONATES LOW POWER AM RADIO

    Posted by Geri Ventura -
    DOUGLAS FOUNDATION DONATES LOW POWER AM RADIO

    10/23/08 - The Montecito Fire Protection District held a reception on Sunday, October 12, 2008 to thank the Douglas Foundation for their donation of a low power AM radio to the Fire District. Kirk and Anne Douglas attended the reception on behalf of their foundation. They stated that they were pleased to be able to help the community and were ...


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    Montecito Fire District Increases Staffing for Predicted Weather and Fires in Southern California

    Posted by Geri Ventura -
    Montecito Fire District Increases Staffing for Predicted Weather and Fires in Southern California

    October 14, 2008 - Montecito Fire District has increased staffing to have in place throughout the predicted wind events over the next few days. As warmer, dryer conditions move into the area, the threat of a fire occurring in the Santa Barbara South Coast increases because of the extended moderate drought conditions throughout California.

    In addition to up staffing ...


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    Montecito Fire Fighters Train in Neighborhood House

    Posted by Travis Ederer -
    Montecito Fire Fighters Train in Neighborhood House

    September 22, 2008 - The Montecito Fire department conducted structure fire fighting drills in a local Montecito house. Between the dates of September 10th, through September 13th, the Montecito Fire Protection District conducted training at a house on San Ysidro Road. The house was made available, prior to demolition, by the homeowner. The drill was a multi-agency evolution that included ...


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    Montecito Fire Disrtict recieves $5,000 Grant

    Posted by Curtis Vincent -
    Montecito Fire Disrtict recieves $5,000 Grant

    August 22, 2008 - Montecito Fire Protection District has received a $5,000.00 grant from Firemen's Fund Insurance in support of our "Neighborhood Defensible Space Program".

    The objective is to create defensible/survivable space by reducing the volume of FLAMMABLE VEGETATION on private property as well as hillsides and access roads within local neighborhoods.

    Participating residents receive educational help ...


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    Fast Action Controls Blaze

    Posted by T.McElwee / Photo - Paul Wellman -
    Fast Action Controls Blaze

    August 22, 2008 - On August 15th at approximately 8:00pm Montecito Fire responded to a reported vegetation fire in the 100 block of Canon View.

    Montecito Fire District, Santa Barbara City Fire and the Los Padres Forest Service all responded as part of the mutual aid system. Montecito Brush Engine 391 was first on scene and initiated a ...


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    Montecito Fire Chief Arrested

    Posted by Geri Ventura -

    August 13, 2008-Montecito Fire Chief Kevin Wallace went to "jail" to help raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association earlier today.

    The "jailers" picked him up from Fire District Headquarters at approximately 1:00 pm on a warrant issued by an unknown MDA accomplice. Chief Wallace, and his wife Maureen both went without incident to the Rooftop of the Canary