Wildland Residents Association

Red Flag Alerts

Brush Clearing Guidelines

Firescape Garden Guidelines

Prevention, Preparing, Planning

Resources

Living with wildfire (pdf)
Wildfire Help Center
Citizen Preparedness (pdf)
Firewise.org
American Red Cross
National Fire Protection Assn.

BEING PREPARED

Santa Barbara County has experienced some of California's largest and most destructive wildfires. Our county also has some of this nation's steepest topography and most flammable vegetation. A wildland fire can occur year around.

Typically, fire seasons in Santa Barbara County runs from June through November. The lack of substantial rain and the presence of hot, dry, windy periods greatly intensify the threat of wildland fire. Chances for home and building survival can be greatly increased if you, the wildland resident, perform basic fire safe activities. Homeowners should review the brush clearing guidelines annually, and try to plan for a worst case fire scenario.

The WRA is a very strong advocate of prevention, planning, and preparation for all emergencies, including fire. Are you ready? Are you prepared? Do you have a plan? This web site and many that are linked to it, will help you and your family answer these questions. When you see the smoke and hear the sirens, it is too late to start. You can further help yourself and your community by joining the WRA and help support the community and the volunteer fire department.

BURN PERMITS

The Forest Service has started issuing burn permits. For burn permit information, call the Los Padres Forest-Paradise Business office at 967-3481. A permit is required for all burning within Santa Barbara County.

Prior to burning, call the Air Pollution Control at 686-8177 to make sure it is a burn day. You must also call County Fire, station 13 at 681-5513. There is no burning on holidays or on Sunday.

Keep in mind that you can be held liable for escaped fires. If you need help, please call the WRA at 964-7194 for assistance. The San Marcos Pass VFD will be pleased to help you conduct your burn safely. Safety should be your primary concern. Take some time to look over SIX MINUTES FOR SAFETY for additional safety tips.