I have been in discussions with Fire Marshall Rob Hazard, 2nd District Supervisor Gregg Hart, and SB Fire Chief Mark Hartwig to increase resources to respond more quickly to fire threats in our mountain communities. I received the following letter from Mark Hartwig this afternoon:

Good Afternoon Mr. Sichi:

As was conveyed to you recently by Fire Marshal Rob Hazard, we are looking closely at some longer range options to getting a full-time permanent station in the Pass. In the meantime, we are finalizing plans to use one-time state funding for the increased fire activity this current fire season. Our plans include the use of some of the funding for increased fire patrols in the Pass Communities. As you know, the U.S. Forest Service staffs an engine during daytime hours at the East Camino Cielo Station (#41) to primarily protect lands within the forest. The details of our increased staffing aren’t quite worked out yet for this season but I will keep you posted.

Please feel free to call or reply with any future comments or concerns.

Best regards,

Mark A. Hartwig

Fire Chief / Fire Warden

Santa Barbara County Fire Department

(805) 681-5507 office

(805) 896-6400 cell