MONTECITO, CA – Effective today, June 22, 2026, the Montecito Fire Protection District has implemented a continuously staffed firefighter/paramedic position on Medic Engine 92. Medic Engine 92 operates from Station 92, located at 2300 Sycamore Canyon Drive, and serves the western portion of the district, providing all-risk emergency services to the residents of Montecito.

The district currently staffs two fire engines and one paramedic squad daily, with a total of ten suppression personnel assigned each day. Historically, advanced life support (ALS) services were provided primarily by Squad 91, responding from Station 91 at 595 San Ysidro Road. Squad 91 would routinely respond as a secondary unit to incidents involving fire engines that were not continuously staffed with a paramedic, ensuring that ALS care could begin before the arrival of the private ambulance provider.

Recognizing an opportunity to improve service delivery, the Montecito Fire Protection District has redistributed firefighter/paramedic personnel to provide more balanced ALS coverage throughout the community. By assigning a paramedic to Medic Engine 92, the district enhances its ability to deliver critical emergency medical care more quickly and efficiently across its service area.

What does this mean for the community?

Today, residents who call 911 for a medical emergency can expect an ALS-capable fire engine to respond. Firefighter/paramedics are specially trained to provide advanced medical interventions, including cardiac monitoring (ECG), intravenous medication administration, advanced airway management, and other lifesaving procedures beyond the scope of basic life support providers.

“This is a significant step forward in our ability to serve the Montecito community,” said Fire Chief Brian Fallon. “By establishing a dedicated four-person ALS engine company at Station 92, we’re not only improving patient care and emergency response, we’re also investing in the safety of our firefighters and the long-term resilience of our community.”

The Montecito Fire Protection District remains committed to ensuring its personnel are equipped with the highest level of training and the most advanced medical equipment available. This commitment allows providers to perform comprehensive patient assessments, initiate critical treatment, and stabilize patients before transport to a medical facility for definitive care.

While paramedic-level service within fire departments has become increasingly common, it is not yet standard in every jurisdiction. The Montecito Fire Protection District takes pride in providing the community with exceptional pre-hospital emergency medical care delivered by highly trained and dedicated first responders.

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