Santa Barbara County Firefighters and Los Padres Hot Shots Clear Vegetation for Wildfire Prevention

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SANTA BARBARA, California

June 29, 2010

Ready! Set! Go! was launched in May 2009 as a new approach to educating Southern California residents about the now year-round threat of wildfire.  This public education program seeks to gain active public involvement in reducing life and property loss caused by wildfires.

Part of this program is to maintain roadside vegetation clearance.  Today, Santa Barbara County Fire Department's Crew 1 has been doing just that.  This week, Crew 1 has been improving Paradise Rd. between HWY 154 and the Santa Ynez River.  The purpose is to reduce the amount of vegetation along the roadway.  By doing so, evacuation during a wildfire is enhanced.  The reduction of vegetation will also allow greater access for fire engines and equipment to respond during a wildfire. The project, expected to last through the end of the week, is being completed with the assistance of the Los Padres Hot Shots. 

Roadside clearance projects that have already been completed are:  Painted Cave Rd., East Camino Cielo Rd., Tepusquet Canyon Rd., and Old San Marcos Rd.  Future projects include:  West Camino Cielo Rd., Refugio Rd., Stagecoach Rd. and Kinevan Rd.  

Proper vegetation management, defensible space clearance by homeowners, vegetation clearance along road ways and driveways, and evacuation planning will greatly enhance the safety of the community in the event of another wildfire. 

For more information on Ready! Set! Go! or to view an informative video on the steps you can take to Safeguard Your Home please go to www.sbcfire.com.

Photo Courtesy of Santa Barbara County Fire Department


Author:Santa Barbara County FD Press Release