Montecito Fire Department

Vent Retrofit applications are now closed

During a wildfire, embers make their way through vents and other crevices igniting combustible material inside the home and attic. The Montecito Fire Department and our partnering agencies stand ready to quickly respond to fires, but recent events have reinforced the importance of implementing as many wildfire mitigation actions as possible before an incident occurs. Recent post fire assessments have concluded hardened structures had over three times the likelihood of surviving compared to non-hardened structures. Watch the video below demonstrating wind-blown embers to see how homes ignite during a wildfire.

To reduce the impacts of future wildfires to our community, the Montecito Fire Department set aside funds from the Fire Defense Zone Budget to initiate a Home Hardening Assistance Program. Applications for the 2023 Vent Retrofit Grant Program are now closed.

The applicant’s parcel will be evaluated by the Montecito Fire Department and priority will be given to the homes determined most at risk of being adversely impacted by a future wildfire.

Selected applicants will be contacted to schedule an appointment with a certified installer.