Santa Barbara County Fire Department increases staffing during Red Flag Warning

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department has increased its staffing level due to the Red Flag Warning in effect for parts of Santa Barbara County until 10 a.m. Thursday.

The increased staffing level will include three fire engines, two dozers, one water tender, two hand crews, one battalion chief, and one helicopter with night flying capabilities.

Additionally, Cal OES has provided a strike team composed of five engines that will be posted in the Goleta area.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can create extreme fire behavior.

The fire department reminds residents that they should take appropriate precautions including, but not limited to:

Report any sign of smoke immediately to your local fire department by calling 911.

Use extreme caution when operating spark-of-flame producing machinery in hazardous grass or brush areas. Have an evacuation plan in place and identify two exit routes from your neighborhood. If you are asked to evacuate by fire or law enforcement officials, do so immediately. Report any suspicious persons or vehicles to law enforcement.

The Red Flag Warning went into effect for the Santa Barbara County south coast and mountains on July 24 at 3 p.m.