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

Posted by Geri Ventura -

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 locally, Montecito Fire District has also sent two engines to assist with the Marek and Sesnon Fires currently burning in Southern California.

With Montecito facing the same potential weather threats that have fanned the fires in Los Angeles County, Montecito Fire District reminds residents to be prepared by taking the following actions:

Provide 30 ft. of "Lean, Clean, Green" landscaping. The area immediately adjacent to your house is particularly important in terms of defensible space. Within the area extending at least 30 feet from your house, the vegetation should be kept:

Lean - small amount of flammable vegetation.

Clean - no accumulation of dead vegetation or flammable debris.

Green - plants kept healthy and green during fire season. Clean all dead leaves and needles from your roof and gutters.

Make sure your address is clearly posted so emergency personnel can easily locate your home.

Stack wood piles at least 30 feet from structures. Clear flammable vegetation within 10 feet of wood piles.

Propane tanks should also be at least 30 feet from any structure and have 10 feet of vegetation clearance.

Clearly mark and provide clear access for firefighters to all emergency water sources.

Legally dispose of all vegetation on your property, using green recycle options whenever possible.

Prepare a "Family Disaster Plan". Include how to communicate with your family. Do not rely on a cell phone for communications. Select a meeting place outside the high fire hazard area.

Prepare an "Evacuation Plan" using your existing road system. Plan at least two escape routes. Fire travels rapidly so never plan to run or walk away from a fire. Include in your plan the evacuation of your pets and large animals such as horses (contact Equine Evacuation).

Assemble a "Family Disaster Supplies Kit" with enough basic supplies to sustain you and your family for 3 days.

Pack a "To Go" container of important items to take during an evacuation. It should include medications, important documents, keepsakes, and insurance papers. Or even better, keep important documents and keepsakes in a safe deposit box.

Make an inventory of household goods. Videotape or photograph model numbers and contents of drawers. Put this in your "To Go" container.

Montecito Residents can call (805) 969-7762 to schedule a home inspection to learn other ways to make their homes more fire resistant.

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