Montecito Fire

10/01/2026

Tune into this meeting tonight.

10/01/2026

The Montecito Fire Department is now accepting applications for Firefighter/EMT and Firefighter/Paramedic positions.

Applications are open from October 1-19, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Only online applications will be accepted. Your application and all supporting documentation must be submitted via NEOGOV at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montecitofire

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Battalion Chief Aaron Briner at [email protected]. Please indicate "2026 Firefighter-EMT Recruitment" or "2026 Firefighter-PM Recruitment" in the subject line of your email.

For more information, visit www.montecitofire.com/employment

10/01/2026

Today marks Captain Jeff Villarreal’s 30th year of service to the Montecito Fire Department. Fire Chief Fallon presented him with his 30-year pin at our Board of Directors meeting earlier this week.

Captain Villarreal joined our organization on this day in 1996 as a Firefighter/EMT in hopes of serving his local community and helping others. He was promoted to Engineer in 2001 and later, Captain in 2010.

Jeff has gone above and beyond to better our department throughout his career, serving on our Apparatus Committee, organizing ladder and hose maintenance, coordinating our annual live-fire training, and serving as a mentor for all our personnel. He is a foundational leader within Montecito Fire, and he's also our designated “kitchen boss” for the July 4th Pancake Breakfast!

We are grateful that Captain Villarreal’s family could join us to celebrate this significant professional milestone - we recognize the many sacrifices they have made over the last three decades to support his commitment here. Congratulations Jeff on 30 exceptional years of service and thank you for all you do!

09/24/2026

Highway Incident - Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026

At 1:40 a.m. Montecito Fire responded to a traffic collision on southbound Highway 101 near the Sheffield exit. Four vehicles and two semi-trucks were involved in the incident. No injured were reported.

The southbound lanes of Highway 101 are closed at Sheffield Drive due to fuel leakage and debris in the roadway. Traffic is being diverted at San Ysidro. No ETA for highway reopening currently. Expect delays. Check CHP - Santa Barbara for updates.

09/18/2026

WATCH: Montecito Creeks & Flood Control Community Meeting

Preparing for winter in Montecito is a community effort. On Monday, September 14, dozens of Montecito residents attended a community meeting, hosted by County Supervisor Roy Lee, to learn what preparations are occurring and how they can get ready, too.

This recording is provided by the Montecito Association for residents who were unable to attend and as a resource for the community throughout the winter storm season.

Preparing for winter in Montecito is a community effort.This comm...

09/15/2026

“Some people leave an impression simply by the position they hold, but others leave an impression because of the person they are. Director van Duinwyk is one of those people.” -Montecito Fire Chief Brian Fallon

Read the full story in the latest issue of the Montecito Journal on stands now, or online here:

“Service above self” is at the core of what it means to be a firefighter. At Montecito Fire, we look to our elected Board of Directors as representatives of the community to decide policy issues and set priorities for the Fire District. Our most recent Board President, Peter van Duinwyk, has set...

09/12/2026

Un-bee-lievable! 🐝

On Friday afternoon, Montecito Firefighters responded to the intersection of San Ysidro Road and East Valley Road, where a large tree had fallen across the roadway. Fortunately, no one was injured.

While firefighters were cutting up the tree and redirecting traffic, several of our personnel noticed they were being stung by bees. Montecito Fire coordinated with a local bee specialist, Super Bee Rescue And Removal, who discovered an enormous hive inside the fallen tree.

The beekeeper estimated there were well over 30,000 bees in the tree. When the tree cracked, more than 100 pounds of honey spilled out. 🍯

The large number of displaced and agitated bees posed a significant safety concern to our crews, motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and others passing through the area. We worked with the bee specialist throughout the evening to reduce the activity of the hive and allow the bees to settle overnight so that they could be removed as safely as possible.

Tree cleanup and bee relocation continued early Saturday morning when the bees were less active and there were fewer people in the area.

That’s what all the buzz was about… and the area is safe now! 🐝

09/11/2026

Thanks to everyone who joined us at our fire stations this morning to remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. This day reminds us of the importance of unity, the strength found in community, and the power of resilience.

We vow to never forget.

09/11/2026

We will never forget.

This morning, firefighters and community members gathered at our fire stations to remember and honor the lives lost on this day 25 years ago. We hope you will find time today to reflect and remember.