As wildfires become a more frequent and destructive part of life in California, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden offers science-based, community-centered solutions.
The garden will host Ready for Wildfire | Smart Strategies for Fire-Safe Living, a free, virtual fire resilience forum, 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 22.
The program is designed to equip residents with the tools needed to prepare their homes, landscapes, and neighborhoods for wildfire.
Ready for Wildfire is part of the Botanic Garden’s effort to bring together experts from across the county to share practical, actionable strategies for building a fire-adapted future.
“As fire seasons grow longer and more intense, it’s critical that we work together to prepare, not just react,” said Steve Windhager, executive director of Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
“This forum is focused on empowering people with knowledge — grounded in science and collaboration — that can make a difference. At the garden, we see this as part of our mission to help both nature and people thrive,” Windhager said.
Facilitated by garden staff, the forum reflects a shared effort among government agencies, nonprofit partners, and private-sector leaders.
Speakers include Windhager; Santa Barbara County Supervisor Laura Capps; supervising Capt. Chris Olmstead from Santa Barbara County Fire Department; Matthew Caligiure from Allen Construction; and Anne-Marie Parkinson from Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council.
Live Spanish interpretation will be provided, and the forum will be recorded and available for free on the garden’s website as a free resource to the public.
Key topics are:
• How Santa Barbara County is preparing for wildfire
• What fire crews prioritize when entering a burning neighborhood
• How to harden (fireproof) your home against flames and embers
• Landscaping with native, water-wise plants to reduce risk
• Community resources for renters, homeowners, and neighborhood groups
Registration is required at https://sbbotanicgarden.org/classes-events/ready-for-wildfire-smart-strategies-for-fire-safe-living/.