Full Notification

MONTECITO, CA – The National Weather Service has predicted weather conditions that will bring gusty winds through Thursday night across the Santa Barbara South Coast, including Montecito.

In addition to the wind event, the live fuel moisture in our area is at 56%. Fuel moisture is a term used to describe moisture levels (expressed in percentage) found in brush and other vegetation. When the fuel moisture is below the critical level of 60%, it is more conducive to rapid fire growth and can make fire suppression extremely difficult. The combination of the predicted wind event and critical fuel moisture levels will result in elevated fire danger across our community.

In anticipation of the predicted weather event, Montecito Fire has increased staffing levels in the District with two (2) Type 3 Brush engines and one (1) additional dispatcher.

We have also activated MERRAG and will be staffing the trailheads in our community with volunteers to educate hikers about the critical conditions and hiking safety.

While this is true all the time, we remind you to immediately report any signs of smoke by calling 911, and report any suspicious persons or vehicles to law enforcement.