Santa Barbara County Fire Department marks beginning of ‘High Fire Season’
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department held a press conference Monday to declare the beginning of the 2021 High Fire Season. The high fire season includes all areas of Santa Barbara County.
During High Fire Season, all burn permits issued for residential burning and hazard reduction will be suspended, the fire department said. Additionally, the county fire department will be increasing the number of resources responding to all reported vegetation fires.
The 2020/21 rainy season saw significant decrease in normal rainfall, leaving behind severely dried vegetation which is fuel for brush fires. The drier fuels pose a significant risk for igniting fires.
The State of California is looking to get ahead of statewide wildfires. The state has made available $165 million in grants to help prevent and battle fires in the state. Santa Barbara County Fire Department is applying for grants to help add to its fire prevention programs.
