Santa Barbara County Fire Department

Santa Barbara County Fire Department is a progressive, multi-mission public safety agency that traces its roots to 1926, when it began as the county Forestry Department before taking its current name in 1956. It protects the full sweep of Santa Barbara County, from the South Coast beaches to the farmlands and vineyards of the North County, including the cities of Buellton, Goleta, and Solvang alongside the unincorporated areas.

The department operates 16 fire stations organized into three battalions (South, Central, and North) and five divisions covering Operations, Support Services, Fire Prevention, EMS, and Training. Its fleet includes 16 engines and 2 truck companies.

With about 245 full-time employees, the department serves more than 420,000 residents across 2,774 square miles and responds to over 15,000 incidents each year. Beyond structure and wildland fire, it fields specialized capabilities including hazardous materials response, urban search and rescue, water and technical rope rescue, and air support.

Firefighter and civilian hiring for Santa Barbara County Fire is run through the County of Santa Barbara's central employment system. Candidates apply through the County's job portal, where job descriptions, requirements, wages, and standards are posted, and can register interest cards to be notified when firefighter recruitments open.

The department's Human Resources section points applicants to resources including CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) information and career overview materials. Firefighter Trainee (EMT) and Firefighter Trainee (Paramedic) recruitments are periodically announced.