The Santa Barbara County Fire Department (SBCFD), in conjunction with all other local fire jurisdictions, will declare the start of the 2021 High Fire Season for all areas of Santa Barbara County on May 3.
During high fire season, all burn permits issued for residential burning and hazard reduction will be suspended. In addition, SBCFD will be increasing the number of resources (engines, dozers, crews, helicopters) responding to reported vegetation fires.
SBCFD remind everyone who lives, works and visits Santa Barbara County to be extra vigilant about fire safety this season.
The 2020/21 rainy season yielded 47% of the area’s normal rainfall, which has resulted in significantly drier fuels. Combined with dry seasonal grasses for this time of year, this poses a significant risk for ignition and growth of a vegetation fire.
The state of California has made available $165 million in grants in 2021 to develop and carry out fire prevention projects throughout the state. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department is actively applying for this funding in an effort to continue to build upon our already robust prevention programs within the county.
SBCFD asks the public to maintain vegetation clearance around structures, review and be familiar with their Ready! Set! Go! wildfire action plan, and be extra cautious and aware when traveling or staying in the county’s wildland areas.
For more information about Ready! Set! Go! visit www.sbcfire.com.