California communities facing escalating wildfire threats are testing a new inter-agency strategy that could increase the readiness of fire-combating personnel.
Placing firefighters closer to the most vulnerable areas before a fire ever starts could help improve response times. In Montecito, near the city of Santa Barbara, two new firefighter housing sites are expected to do just that.
Here’s what to know
During periods when the risk for fire or other major weather events is high, the Montecito Fire Department plans to house firefighting crews at two temporary sites created in partnership with the Montecito Water District, according to an announcement from the department.
Montecito Fire Chief Brian Fallon said in the release that pre-positioning crews is intended to speed access to the parts of the district facing the greatest wildfire danger…