Wind Forecast Prompts Added Firefighting Staff

Santa Barbara County firefighters will beef up staffing Tuesday afternoon, as winds are forecast to be strong, leading to a higher fire danger.

Commanders with the fire department spoke with meteorologists from the National Weather Service early Tuesday afternoon to get an update on expected weather conditions. A “Red Flag Warning” for the mountains of Santa Barbara County has been extended until midnight Tuesday.

Strong “sundowner” winds are forecast Tuesday night reaching up to 45 miles an hour. As a result, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department will add additional staff to respond quickly in case any fires break out. The added equipment includes: an additional helicopter, three added fire engines, an extra bulldozer and a water tanker. The plans also includes additional personnel to staff the added gear.

Residents in areas where fires can threaten are urged to be vigilant and ready to react quickly in case an emergency develops. Printed advice for a “Ready, Set, Go!” plan so homeowners can evacuate fast should it become necessary is available at local fire stations.

The concern focuses on areas closer to the mountains in Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito, Carpinteria, San Marcos Pass and the Dick Smith Wildnerness area.

Further updates will be added to the website and on all evening news broadcasts. If anything significant develops, programming will be interrupted for live broadcast coverage.