MontecitoFire
Montecito Fire Chief David Neels Announces Retirement
Montecito Fire Chief David Neels has announced his upcoming retirement at the end of March, after 36 years of dedicated service to public safety. Chief Neels has served as Montecito Fire Chief since 2023. His last day as Fire Chief…
Annual Neighborhood Chipping Program to Begin February 9
Montecito Fire Department’s 17th annual Neighborhood Chipping Program will begin February 9, 2026. This important fire prevention and preparedness program assists community members with maintaining and increasing defensible space ahead of high wildfire season by reducing vegetation within 100 feet of their…
Injured Hiker Airlifted from San Ysidro Trail After Dramatic Helicopter Rescue
An injured male hiker was airlifted from the San Ysidro Trail on Wednesday afternoon in a dramatic hoist rescue operation, initiated after a fellow hiker used a satellite messenger to call for help. According to the Montecito Fire Protection District,…
Community Invited to 1/9 Debris Flow Remembrance Event
Raising Our Light To Be Held At Montecito Union School On January 9, 2026 As we approach the eight-year mark of the 1/9 Debris Flow, our community is invited to attend a commemorative event, Raising Our Light, on Friday, January 9,…
All Fireworks and Bonfires are Illegal in Montecito
Please leave fireworks to the professionals during July 4th celebrations As the Fourth of July holiday quickly approaches, the Montecito Fire Department reminds the community that fireworks are dangerous and therefore, illegal in all unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County,…
Montecito & Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection Districts Transition Dispatch Services to Regional Fire Communications Center
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…
Montecito Fire Honors the Promotions of Four Employees
The Montecito Fire Department recognized the recent promotions of four employees with a ceremony Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at Fire Station 91. Family, friends, colleagues and community members were invited to attend to celebrate the employees’ professional accomplishments. Andy Rupp was…
Annual Neighborhood Chipping Program To Begin February 18
Montecito Fire’s fuels reduction program removes excess brush from community to lessen wildfire risk Montecito Fire Department’s 16th annual Neighborhood Chipping Program will begin February 18, 2025. This important fire prevention and preparedness program assists community members with increasing defensible space ahead…