Local First Responders Will Come Together for Emergency Management Drill

By the Santa Barbara County Fire Department

First responders representing departments from across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties will come together Monday, Nov. 14 to participate in an interagency, All Hazard Incident Management Team drill at the Santa Maria Veterans Hall, 313 West Tunnel Street.

In preparation for future emergencies, both counties have established local All Hazard Incident Management Teams that are activated in events such as wildfires, natural disasters, public health crises, and large planned events. The teams have been activated in response to recent incidents including the Alisal Fire, Avila Fire, and COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

On Nov. 14, both teams will work together to manage and mitigate a simulated wildfire scenario along the county line, much like these local first responders would do in the event of a real incident. Participants will function in pre-designated roles that align with the state and national incident management system.

Understanding and practicing incident management skills is critical to our success during real, local emergencies. Additionally, training with our local partner agencies gives first responders the opportunity to build relationships and trust among all the involved departments. More than 40 local first responders will participate in Monday’s drill.

Members of the following agencies will participate in the drill: