May 21, 2025

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, CA – Dispatch services for Montecito and Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection Districts are now provided by the Santa Barbara County Regional Fire Communications Center. The transition officially occurred on May 13, 2025.

This transition results in the closure of the South Coast Dispatch Center, which was located at Montecito Fire Station 91, 595 San Ysidro Road.

South Coast Dispatch provided dispatching services for Montecito Fire Department since 1977, and Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Department transferred its dispatching services to South Coast in 2010.

South Coast Dispatch was staffed by three full-time dispatchers, one assigned to each of the three shift battalions. Additionally, a dozen Montecito firefighters served as part of the Dispatch Cadre, adding depth and resilience to South Coast’s dispatch operations. Over the center’s nearly 48 years of operations, 31 individuals served as South Coast dispatchers.

South Coast Dispatch answered and coordinated approximately 4,000 calls per year for both Montecito and Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection Districts.

In 2021, the fire chiefs from across the Santa Barbara County area moved forward with the concept of building and staffing a Regional Fire Communications Center to improve response times, optimize resources, and enhance service for all residents. The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the development of the Regional Fire Communications Center.

“While bittersweet, we are proud of this step forward, aligned with our department’s mission to be a progressive organization that provides professional and timely response to our community’s needs,” said Montecito Fire Chief David Neels.

Calls to Montecito Fire Department’s non-emergency line, 805-969-7762, are now answered by administrative staff during regular business hours. After hours, callers may leave a voicemail or connect with an answering attendant, if immediate attention is needed. In an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.

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