Los Padres Announces New Santa Barbara District Fire Management Officer

Von Tillow succeeds Dana D’Andrea, who retired last fall.

“Mark brings a wealth of experience from his many years in wildland fire,” said Santa Barbara District Ranger Bruce Emmens. “He understands the complex nature of firefighting in this area, and his leadership qualities will serve us well.”

A native Californian, von Tillow began his career on the Tahoe National Forest in 1986. He accepted a position the following year on Los Padres, and has held a number of positions working on engines, Hotshot crews, and helicopter modules over the last 26 years. Von Tillow has been a member of California Incident Management Team 3 for 11 years, and currently serves as the Team’s Operations Section Chief.

Von Tillow and his wife lived with their two children in the Santa Ynez valley.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve as Division Chief for the Santa Barbara District,” von Tillow said. “I look forward to working with our firefighters and building on the legacy established by the prior chiefs on this district.”

For more information, contact the Santa Barbara District Office at (805) 967-3481.