High Fire Season Arrives in Santa Barbara County
Summer Is Coming: Fire Agencies Get Ready and Ask the Public to Act Responsibly
As rain covered the county this morning, Santa Barbara officially entered the “2023 High Fire Season.” Alongside the announcement of heightened risk came the cessation of all burn permits, increased resources for fire departments, and a commitment to public awareness. Speaking at a press conference under the protection of the County Fire Department roof, 1st District Supervisor Das Williams was quick to address the precipitation outside: “Don’t be confused by a drizzly day in June. We could have a big season before us.”
Part of preparing for that possible big season means adopting High Fire Season status, which allows the county to receive the state funds necessary for an increased response. This will take the form of a seasonal workforce that includes air crews, new fire engines, and more boots on the ground. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department is working with multiple partners at the city, county, and state level, and credit this collective effort with their ability to respond effectively. “Fire has no political boundary. It affects everywhere and everyone. That’s why we come and work together. it wouldn’t be possible otherwise,” said John Owens, chief for CalFire’s San Luis Obispo Unit.
It’s not just up to the officials to keep the community safe. “It’s a shared responsibility; we all need to do everything in our power to prevent these fires,” said 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann. The speakers all stressed the importance of clearing defensible space around homes and being hyper-aware of fire-causing activities, which can be as simple as starting a car too close to dry vegetation. The fire department will be conducting property inspections at urban interface areas to make sure that zone regulations are being followed.
