The Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce is hosting a presentation by the Santa Barbara Fire Safe Council on Thursday, September 10 at 4 pm. 

With wildfires a very real threat to our communities, this presentation is for everyone interested in ways to protect their homes from a wildfire.  The presentation is free and we are encouraging the public to attend. 

‍With continued high summer temperatures in the Santa Ynez Valley it is evident that the local landscape is brutally dry.  We are all too familiar with wildfires that begin from dry, brittle landscapes and move on to devastate homes, businesses and entire communities. 

‍In an effort to inform Valley residents how they can protect their homes and create safer, more resilient properties in the face of a wildfire, the Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce and Santa Ynez Beautiful are hosting a free presentation, “FIREWISE,” by the FireSafe Council of Santa Barbara County on Thursday, September 10 at 4 pm at the Santa Ynez Community Services District offices, 1070 Faraday St., Santa Ynez.

‍This timely presentation will include how to reduce fire risk around homes, potentially save on insurance, and improve community safety. 

‍Guest speaker, Kate Furlong, Community Resilience Lead with the Sata Barbara County FireSafe Council, will present science-based strategies to protect homes and increase property survivability during wildfire events.  Topics will include defensible space requirements, home hardening best practices, common wildfire vulnerabilities around the home, landscaping considerations for fire prone areas and local wildfire preparedness resources.

‍This presentation is valuable for homeowners, renters, HOA management, property managers and anyone interested in wildfire preparedness.  Wildfires are on the rise and this presentation is an excellent opportunity to learn how to protect your property, family and pets from their devastating effect. 

‍Kate Furlong earned her degree in Environmental Science and Resource Management and has had years of experience in fire ecology, habitat restoration, invasive species management, and community education.  After almost losing her family home in the Thomas fire, Kate is passionate about protecting the Santa Barbara County from the devastating impacts of catastrophic wildfires while also encouraging adaptive management to help protect the people, infrastructure, wildlife, and ecosystems of the region.

‍All community members are encouraged to attend.  Seats are limited.  If you will be attending, please RSVP to Linda Small, Santa Ynez Valley Chamber, at (805) 350-8517 or director@santaynezca.com

Location: Santa Ynez Community Service offices at 1070 Faraday St. in Santa Ynez