Fire Department
HEADQUARTERS
4410 Cathedral Oaks Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93110-1042
(805) 681-5500 FAX: (805) 681-5563
Mark A. Hartwig
Fire Chief
County Fire Warden
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- May 9, 2023, 2023
SANTA BARBARA, CA – The County of Santa Barbara has declared the month of May as Wildfire Community Preparedness Month. The proclamation was made at the Board of Supervisors meeting on May 2, 2023.
The threat of wildfires is becoming increasingly prevalent and dangerous, posing a greater risk to people and property than ever before. Santa Barbara County has a well-documented history of wildfires, which have increased in both probability and severity due to long-term drought and climate change.
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department works closely with Operation Area partners to respond to and reduce the risk of wildland fires. Wildfire Community Preparedness Month encourages everyone to participate in fire prevention and preparedness activities at home, work, school, and all locations, marking the beginning of a year-long effort to improve wildfire awareness and safety.
Throughout the month of May, residents are encouraged to take the following actions:
- Create and maintain a defensible space of at least 100 feet around homes and other structures.
- Develop and practice a family evacuation plan, including a designated meeting place and multiple escape routes.
- Assemble an emergency supply kit with essential items, such as water, non-perishable food, medication, important documents, and a change of clothes.
- Sign up for emergency alerts and notifications at Readysbc.org.
- Learn about local community resources and support for wildfire preparedness. For more information on how to prepare for and prevent wildfires, please visit the Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s website at https://sbcfire.com/wpcontent/uploads/2022/08/ready_set_go.pd.
Contact Information:
Captain Scott Safechuck
Public Information Officer
Cell: 805-896-6336
Email: SSafechuck@countyofsb.org
Twitter: Scott Safechuck @SBCFireInfo
