High fire season, a period of increased wildfire risk and a critical time for increased caution and fire safety prioritization, has been declared in Santa Barbara County starting Monday, June 2.
The department also said they will be increasing resources to respond to vegetation fires as needed throughout the county.
County Fire has created a three-step process (Ready, Set, Go) to help residents understand what to do before, during, and after wildfire threats:
Home owners are encouraged to harden their homes against fire, as flying embers can destroy homes up to a mile from the actual fire.
County Fire said that making small upgrades like installing metal mesh screens (1/8-inch) on attic and crawl space vents, removing combustible fencing connected to structures or replacing wood shake roofs with Class A fire-rated roofing can significantly reduce a home’s risk.
Residents should also prepare for the impacts to air quality created by wildfires. Smoke and ash contain small particles that can harm the lungs and heart. The best protection is to stay indoors, ideally in a well-sealed “clean air room” with a HEPA air purifier.
Property owners in the county are urged to maintain defensible space by creating three key zones around homes and structures:
It is also important to maintain vegetation clearance along driveways and private roads to not only increase survivability during a wildfire but also to ensure safe access for emergency vehicles and improve firefighter safety.
Trim overhanging branches to at least 13.5 feet above roadways and maintain at least 10 feet of horizontal clearance.
Members of the public should sign up to receive emergency alerts from the County at www.readysbc.org.
Santa Barbara County Fire Department Action Plan
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