Environment 12-11

Southern California Fire Agency officials announced on 12/9 that, in light of this past fire season and the year-round risk of fires, they have abandoned the previous calendar of “fire season” and “non-fire season.” As such, Santa Barbara County and other agencies will be transitioning into “low fire season preparedness level” at 5 p.m. on 12/14. The switch dictates how many engines and firefighters are initially dispatched to a reported wildfire, among other directives.

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Santa Barbara Channelkeeper and the City of Santa Barbara announced that the results of this week’s tests of area beaches indicates that only one, Arroyo Burro, exceeds the standards for harmful bacteria. Beachgoers are advised to stay away, though a follow-up test will be performed later this week.