Press Releases
Prescribed grazing project to begin week of May 15 at Ennisbrook Open Space
County of Santa Barbara breaks ground on Regional Fire Communications Center
Creating Centralized Dispatch Center for County & Expanding Emergency Operations Center
Montecito Fire honors the promotions of six employees
MONTECITO, CA – The Montecito Fire Department recognized the recent promotions of six employees with a ceremony Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at Fire Station 91. Family, friends, colleagues and community members were invited to attend the Promotional Ceremony to honor the employees’ professional accomplishments of the six employees.
Montecito Fire achieves higher rating from Insurance Services Office
MONTECITO, CA – Montecito Fire Protection District recently earned an improved rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO) for its national Public Protection Classification (PPC) Program. The fire department’s ISO rating improved from 3/3x to 2/2x. The rating is based upon an evaluation of the structure fire suppression capabilities provided to the Montecito community. Insurers utilize this information to set insurance rates.
Board of Directors appoints new Montecito Fire Chief
MONTECITO, CA – The Montecito Fire Protection District Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of David Neels as Fire Chief following Chief Kevin Taylor’s retirement on March 31, 2023. Chief Neels’ first day as Chief will be April 1, 2023. He will lead a team of about 50 full-time fire department employees serving the Montecito community.
Evacuation Order canceled for identified properties in South Santa Barbara County effective 5:30 P.M. March 14, 2023
(SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, CA.) – The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with fire agencies and other public safety officials, has announced that as of 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, 2023, Evacuation Orders are canceled for the identified properties and parcels in the Alisal Fire, Cave Fire, and Thomas Fire burn areas in Santa Barbara County.
Evacuation Order for identified properties in Montecito & Thomas Fire burn area effective 8 A.M. March 14
AN EVACUATION WARNING IN EFFECT AS OF 6 P.M. ON MONDAY, MARCH 13 TURNING INTO AN EVACUATION ORDER AS OF 8 A.M. ON TUESDAY, MARCH 14
An EVACUATION WARNING has been issued effective Monday, March 13 at 6pm for the identified properties and areas in south Santa Barbara County associated with the Alisal, Cave, and Thomas Fires.
This EVACUATION WARNING will be upgraded to an EVACUATION ORDER at 8am tomorrow (3/14).
Structure Fire at Montecito Fire Station - Final Update
MONTECITO, CA – At approximately 7:20 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023, on-duty firefighters at Montecito Fire Station 92 noticed the smell of smoke in the building and conducted a search to find the source of the smoke. Light smoke was filling the first and second floors of the fire station at 2300 Sycamore Canyon Road.
Winter Storm Advisory for Santa Barbara County, including Montecito
(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 Fire Chief announces retirement
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.