Santa Barbara Fire Department Reports 2956 Emergency Calls in First Quarter of 2025

During the recent Fire and Police Commission meeting held on July 24, 2025, in Santa Barbara, key discussions centered around emergency response protocols and incident reporting data from the Fire Department, highlighting the ongoing commitment to community safety.

A significant focus was placed on the police department's call handling procedures. It was emphasized that law enforcement takes precedence in dispatch decisions, particularly in complex situations such as traffic accidents or medical emergencies. The police can choose to interrogate calls or transfer them to the appropriate emergency services while remaining on the line to monitor the situation. This "warm handover" approach ensures that critical information is communicated effectively, enhancing the response to emergencies.

The Fire Department's Operations Division Chief, Brian Federman, presented incident reporting data for the first two quarters of 2025. The department responded to a total of 5,777 calls, with a notable breakdown of 67 fire incidents, 4,244 rescue and EMS calls, and 134 false alarms in the first quarter alone. The second quarter saw a slight decrease in total calls but maintained a consistent pattern of service delivery, which is crucial for community safety.

Federman also reported on the department's performance metrics, including turnout and travel times for emergency responses. The average turnout time for firefighters was discussed, with a slight variation noted among different shifts. The department aims to improve these times through ongoing training and evaluation of response protocols. The travel time to incidents remained within a commendable four-minute range, indicating effective resource distribution across the community.

Training hours logged by personnel were also highlighted, with over 4,000 hours recorded in the first half of the year. This reflects the department's dedication to continuous improvement and skill development among its firefighters. The training not only includes state-mandated sessions but also informal learning opportunities that enhance operational readiness.

Looking ahead, the commission confirmed that the next meeting will take place as scheduled on the fourth Thursday of August, continuing their efforts to engage with community safety and emergency response initiatives. The discussions from this meeting underscore the importance of effective communication and training in maintaining a robust emergency response system for Santa Barbara residents.