Fire Safety and Resources

Keeping our community prepared—before, during, and after a fire.

Emergency Contacts and Resources

Fire, Police, or Medical Emergency: 911
Local l Fire Department
168 West Highway 246, Buellton
(805) 686-5062

Emergency Alerts

Santa Barbara County's ReadySBC system provides emergency warnings and evacuation information. Residents are encouraged to register to receive alerts by telephone, text message, and email.

Wildfire Preparedness (Defensible Space)

Defensible Space

0–5 feet: Maintain an ember-resistant zone immediately around the house. Keep combustible mulch and other flammable materials away from structures.

5–30 feet: Keep vegetation lean, clean, and green. Prune lower tree limbs 6–10 feet above the ground.

30–100 feet: Reduce fuel continuity by spacing vegetation and removing ladder fuels that could carry fire into tree crowns.

Home Hardening

Roof and vents: Install a Class A fire-rated roof and ember-resistant vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh screens where appropriate.

Fences and gates: Use noncombustible materials for fences and gates within five feet of the house.

Roofs and gutters: Remove dry leaves, needles, and other debris regularly, especially during fire season.

Defensible Space Around a Home. The diagram illustrates the three zones of vegetation management: 0–5 feet, 5–30 feet, and 30–100 feet.

Home Fire Prevention Checklist

Alarms and Electrical

Smoke alarms: Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, in hallways, and on each floor. Test monthly.

Maintenance: Replace smoke alarms after 10 years and batteries as recommended by the manufacturer.

Electrical safety: Have a licensed electrician inspect aging wiring and correct potential hazards.

Kitchen, Heating and Storage

Cooking: Never leave cooking unattended. Keep a lid nearby to smother a small grease fire.

Heating: Keep portable heaters at least three feet from combustible materials.

Storage and maintenance: Keep dryer vents clear of lint and store flammable liquids safely, away from ignition sources.

Pet and Equine Safety

Small Pet Evacuation

  • Prepare a carrier, leash, and sufficient food and water for at least 72 hours.

  • Keep vaccination records and microchip information in your emergency evacuation bag.

  • Label carriers with your name, address, and telephone number.

Equine Safety

  • Each horse owner should develop a plan for evacuating or, if evacuation is impossible, safely managing their animals during a wildfire.

  • Horse owners with trailers should be prepared to assist neighbors with transporting horses when feasible and safe.

After a Fire, First Steps

  • Ensure everyone is safe and accounted for at a designated meeting place.

  • Contact your insurance company, begin a claim, and document any damage.

  • Notify the HOA and coordinate access to affected properties.

  • Do not reenter damaged structures until fire officials have declared them safe.

  • For temporary housing and assistance, contact local relief organizations.

Additional Fire Safety Resources