June 3, 2025 - 8:00 a.m.

MONTECITO, CA – The Montecito Fire Department, in partnership with all other local fire agencies, declared June 2, 2025 as the start of 2025 High Fire Season in Santa Barbara County.  

During High Fire Season, Montecito Fire Department increases staffing ahead of critical fire weather conditions and dispatches additional resources to all wildland fire incidents. Additionally, all burn permits in Santa Barbara County are suspended during High Fire Season. 

In preparation for High Fire Season, our firefighters have completed their annual wildland firefighting refresher training. Our stations within the Montecito Fire District will be fully staffed and ready to respond to community needs during High Fire Season.  

Our Fire Prevention Bureau continues their work to help community members improve defensible space at homes throughout Montecito.

• Our Neighborhood Chipping Program remains ongoing and information on how to participate in this critical vegetation management program is available at montecitofire.com.
• Sheep grazing will begin at the Ennisbrook Open Space on Thursday, June 5 as part of Montecito Fire Department’s comprehensive wildfire prevention and fuels reduction efforts.
• Defensible Space Inspections of all properties in Montecito begin June 15, 2025. Defensible space increases your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire and ensures firefighters can safely access your property to defend it during a wildfire. It is required by state law to provide 100 feet of defensible space. If your property is found to be out of compliance, Montecito Fire Department will mail a violation notice and a date for a follow-up inspection.
• Defensible Space Surveys: Montecito residents are encouraged to schedule a complimentary Defensible Space Survey with a Montecito Wildland Fire Specialist who will offer specific recommendations to harden your home against wildfire and improve defensible space.
• Firewise Montecito: On behalf of our community, Montecito Fire Department recently completed the application process and requirements to become recognized by the National Fire Protection Association as a Firewise Community. Montecito properties are now certified as Firewise. Residents can print a Firewise certificate and learn more about the program at montecitofire.com.

Montecito Fire Department will host a Wildfire Preparedness Community Meeting on June 26, 2025 at 6 p.m. at Montecito Union School, 385 San Ysidro Road.

Residents are invited to attend this valuable panel discussion with our partners from Montecito Water District, Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, and additional public safety agencies.

Questions may be submitted now and will be answered by panelists.

 Refreshments will be kindly provided by San Ysidro Ranch.

The meeting will be livestreamed on Montecito Fire’s Facebook page. Recorded videos of the meeting will be available in English and Spanish.