California Fire Foundation Hosts 2024 Wildfire Mitigation & Resiliency Symposium in Santa Barbara

SIANTA BARBARA, Calif. -  For the second year, dozens of fire agencies met to address wildfire mitigation strategies in Santa Barbara.

“Not only this current fire year, but the fire years of the past and what we’ve learned from those fire years to build a more resilient California," said director Joe Tyler of Cal Fire.

Hosted by the California Fire Foundation, the discussion focused on Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties due to the damage caused by the Thomas and Woolsey fires.

Fire specialists explained the importance of community involvement, along with ideas for future relief in light of the growing number of wildfires in California.

“Not only mechanical and hand treatment fuel reduction … we have to implement prescribed fires … at the same time we need to work to harden our homes and make our homes more defensible," said Tyler.

Organizers of the symposium hope this discussion will encourage agencies to continue building on their overall collaboration.

"Really important because people need to get together we need to collaborate rather than just firefighters doing firefighter things we need to collaborate with researchers at UCSB … put our heads together for a better product," said wildland specialist Mark Vontillow of the Santa Barbara City Fire Department.

The California Fire Foundation hopes to continue supporting residents and firefighters affected by wildfires and natural disasters through these annual symposiums.

"Safety requires all of us to be prepared and to prepare our homes and our spaces," said faculty member Sarah Anderson of UC Santa Barbara.

Summary from the California Fire Foundation press release:

The California Fire Foundation, a leading non-profit dedicated to supporting residents and firefighters affected by wildfires and natural disasters, is hosting the 2024 Wildfire Mitigation and Resiliency Symposium on Tuesday, Aug. 13.

This educational event will take place in Santa Barbara, in partnership with UC Santa Barbara and Southern California Edison.

The symposium will bring together local and state leaders, including twenty expert speakers and panelists.

They will discuss wildfire mitigation strategies, community involvement, and future relief and funding opportunities.

The event will focus on Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties due to the damage caused by the 2017-2018 Thomas and Woolsey wildfires.

Featured speakers and panelists include:

·         Joe Tyler, Director, CAL FIRE

·         Matthew Davis, FEMA

·         Mark vonTillow, Fire Inspector and Wildland Fire Specialist, City of Santa Barbara

·         Kevin Aguayo, President, Ventura County Professional Firefighters

·         Sarah Anderson, Associate Dean, UC Santa Barbara

·         Brian K. Rice, Chair, California Fire Foundation

Panel discussions will include major disaster preparedness insights, the current landscape, and the path forward to enhance public safety amidst rising temperatures and increasing wildfire risks.

A key highlight of the symposium will be the public unveiling of the Wildfire Needs Assessment Research Brief, developed in collaboration with UC Santa Barbara.

This session offers actionable recommendations, including policy suggestions and multi-year funding opportunities, aimed at addressing the impacts of climate-related environmental changes on wildfire activity.

The brief underscores the growing threat to lives, homes, natural resources, and various land uses.

Notable attendees include Assemblymember Steve Bennett, representatives from community-based organizations, fire departments, and government officials.

Please note that RSVPs are now closed to the public.

For more information about the 2024 Symposium, visit California Fire Foundation’s event page.

The event will be held at: Hotel Californian, 36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Location: Alhambra Ballroom).